The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group in his office in Abuja, with discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria-Germany aviation relations.
The discussion also included the review and ratification of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), and plans by the German aviation group to further expand its operations in Nigeria.
The delegation comprised Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations & Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey.
A major focus of the meeting was the existing BASA between Nigeria and Germany, which was signed in 2010.
According to the delegation, The BASA is due for ratification and updating to reflect the current realities of the aviation relationship between both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Dietzen-Zill commended Keyamo for the significant reforms and initiatives being undertaken to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector.
She highlighted Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, describing the development and other ongoing reforms as important steps in strengthening confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and recognising the country’s strategic position within the global aviation industry.
Dietzen-Zill noted that the Lufthansa Group remains interested in a stronger and more modernised aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany.
She explained that the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the existing BASA with a view to reaching a conclusion on its revision and eventual ratification.
The Lufthansa Group delegation also informed the minister of plans to introduce Eurowings, another Lufthansa Group carrier, into the Nigerian market, with operations expected to commence next year.
The airline, she said, was expected to operate Boeing 737-series aircraft, further expanding air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The discussion also provided an opportunity to explore broader areas of cooperation and the creation of a more conducive environment for sustained investment and airline operations.
Responding, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, promotes connectivity and encourages international airlines to deepen their operations in Nigeria.
Keyamo assured the Lufthansa Group representatives of his readiness to support the airline within the ambit of his mandate.
He noted that the Ministry remains open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.