The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has announced that Nigeria and Jamaican have commenced the BASA arrangement between the two nations.
Keyamo said to ensure a swift resolution, he would set up a committee to expedite the process.
The minister, made the disclosure when he welcome the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, to his office in Abuja.
Keyamo in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Wednesday in Abuja, said he is further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, stating that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalise and sign the BASA agreement in person and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.
Earlier, Downer expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria.
He said: “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.
“This personal revelation set the tone for a productive discussion on strengthening the ties between the two nations, particularly in the areas of air services, trade, and investment.”
The Ambassador emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing bilateral relations, including reviewing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” stated Ambassador Downer.”
The Jamaican Ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are trending in Jamaica.
This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” He added.
He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.