Nigeria and Jamaica Take Steps to Launch Direct Flights Under the BASA Accord

Nigeria and Jamaica are engaged in advanced discussions to establish a direct air link under the BASA agreement, thereby enhancing their diplomatic and economic relations.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has expressed his approval of the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria’s proposals to initiate the BASA arrangement between the two countries.

Keyamo expressed his pleasure in initiating the BASA arrangements, stating that he will establish a committee to facilitate a prompt resolution.

The minister announced the information while receiving the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Lincoln Downer, along with his Consular, His Excellency, Andre Hibbert, in his office in Abuja for an important diplomatic meeting.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday in Abuja, Keyamo reaffirmed his commitment to visiting Jamaica if needed. He indicated his readiness to travel to Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement in person and conveyed his enthusiasm for taking the next steps.

In his address, Ambassador Downer conveyed his profound appreciation for Nigeria, sharing an intriguing revelation from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to the country.

Downer stated, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.” This personal insight established a foundation for a constructive dialogue focused on enhancing the relationship between the two nations, especially regarding air services, trade, and investment.

The Ambassador emphasized the significance of advancing and strengthening bilateral relations, which includes a review of the current Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

He stated, “I have been assigned by my country to assess and enhance the diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Nigeria, particularly in relation to air services.”

The Jamaican Ambassador highlighted the increasing fascination with Nigerian culture, especially Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are currently popular in Jamaica.

He observed that this cultural exchange further emphasizes the necessity for improved diplomatic and air connectivity, stating: “There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries.” Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Jamaica, and there is an increasing interest in Jamaican spices within Nigeria.

The meeting prominently addressed the issue of air travel and connectivity. Ambassador Downer revealed that Jamaica presently does not have a national carrier and depends on neighboring Trinidad and Tobago for its air transport needs.

He suggested merging the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to tackle the air services gap, highlighting the growing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.

This meeting represents an important advancement in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Jamaica and Nigeria, paving the way for future cooperation in aviation, trade, and cultural areas.