Nigeria and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have formalized a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, paving the way for direct flight operations between the two countries.
The historic agreement was signed on Monday, April 14, at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and his Trinidadian counterpart, Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport.
According to a statement from Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Minister Keyamo, the signing marks the official launch of direct air connectivity between both nations—an initiative expected to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties.
Moshood added that the agreement is the culmination of years of diplomatic and technical negotiations, with its roots tracing back to the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who led Nigeria from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
“Years of strategic dialogue and mutual interest have finally been brought to fruition through the proactive efforts of Minister Keyamo and his team,” Moshood said.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Festus Keyamo expressed optimism that the agreement would enhance trade, promote tourism, deepen cultural exchange, and improve air connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
“Today’s signing not only fulfills a long-standing bilateral vision initiated during President Obasanjo’s time but also represents our commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint,” the minister said.
“This agreement will enhance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.”
Moshood explained that the agreement grants designated airlines from both Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago the authority to operate passenger and cargo flights, enter into commercial partnerships, and access each other’s airspace in line with mutually agreed conditions.
He added that the deal is anticipated to greatly enhance economic cooperation and foster closer connections between the peoples of both nations.
“Rohan Sinanan, Trinidad and Tobago’s Honourable Minister of Works and Transport expressed strong optimism about the potential of the agreement to boost cooperation and expand aviation opportunities for Caribbean and African carriers,” he said.
The statement described the agreement as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s continued dedication to fostering regional integration, enhancing air transport links, and strengthening diplomatic relations through strategic aviation partnerships.
Keyamo was joined at the signing by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
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