Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, has said that a committee would be set up to review the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Jamaica.
The minister disclosed the proposed review of the BASA at a meeting with the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular-General, Andre Hibbert, held in Abuja
A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Tunde Moshood, on the discussions between the Jamaican Envoy and Keyamo, indicared that Downer stressedthat there ought to be a direct flights between his country and Nigeria.
According to him, due to Nigerians love for Jamaica and a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria, the Jamaican government had mandated him to review and improve the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, particularly in air services.
The statement partly reads: “A key area of focus during the meeting was the matter of air travel and connectivity. Downer disclosed that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier, relying on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. 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.
“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.
“The aviation minister, in his response, welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.
“‘I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,’ said the minister. He 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”, it added.
