The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), today received the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdellatty, in his office in Abuja for the formal signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Enhanced Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The agreement, which was initially conceived during the 2024 International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) Conference, marks a significant milestone in the deepening of bilateral cooperation between both nations in the field of civil aviation, a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development noted.
Speaking during the brief but symbolic ceremony, the aviation Minister described the signing as a “strategic breakthrough” that reflects the mutual commitment of both countries to strengthening connectivity, facilitating technical exchange, and opening new investment opportunities within their respective aviation sectors.
“This agreement is not only a fulfilment of the engagements we started during ICAN 2024 but also a bold step toward enhancing air connectivity, boosting tourism, promoting trade, and fostering knowledge transfer in aviation management and infrastructure,” Keyamo noted.
The enhanced BASA allows for expanded route access and operational flexibility for designated carriers from both countries, while the MoU covers technical cooperation, training, and infrastructure development initiatives.
On his part, Dr. Abdellatty expressed Egypt’s strong desire to build a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria, particularly in sectors where aviation serves as a catalyst for broader economic growth. He commended Minister Keyamo for his visionary leadership and proactive drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that Egypt views Nigeria as a strategic partner on the continent.
Both ministers reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to implementing the provisions of the agreement in the spirit of mutual respect and shared progress.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, and representatives from the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
This development adds to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition its aviation sector through international cooperation, modern regulatory frameworks, and increased private sector participation in aviation infrastructure.
