Nigeria and Jamaica Explore Direct Flight Route Amidst Strengthened Air Services Agreement
Nigeria and Jamaica are considering the establishment of a direct flight route, as outlined in recent discussions regarding the enhancement of their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). This initiative was revealed in a statement released by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Wednesday.
During a meeting in Abuja, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo welcomed Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, along with Consular Andre Hibbert. Downer underscored the potential for advantageous diplomatic relations between the two nations and emphasized the necessity of revisiting the current Air Services Agreement.
“I have been directed by my government to analyze and enhance diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Nigeria, particularly in the realm of air travel,” stated Downer. He noted the increasing appreciation for Nigerian culture in Jamaica, especially regarding Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which have gained immense popularity.
He further emphasized the urgency for improved air connectivity, saying, “There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians have a strong affection for Jamaica, and we are seeing a growing demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria.”
In response, Minister Keyamo welcomed the suggestions from Downer, expressing his enthusiasm for advancing the BASA discussions. “I am eager to initiate the BASA arrangements. To ensure a prompt resolution, we will form a committee to facilitate the process,” Keyamo announced, adding that he would be open to visiting Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement personally.
During the talks, Downer shared that Jamaica currently does not have a national carrier, relying instead on air services from neighboring Trinidad and Tobago. He suggested the possibility of integrating the BASA with Trinidad and Tobago to fill the existing air travel gap, indicating a rising demand for flights from Nigeria to Jamaica.
In a personal revelation, Downer expressed his gratitude for Nigeria, sharing a surprising finding from his four-month tenure as Jamaica’s envoy to Nigeria. “I have come to discover that Nigeria may indeed hold ties to my ancestral roots,” he remarked, highlighting the deepening connections between the two countries.
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