The Federal Government and Russia have begun negotiations to replace their 1967 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), aiming to strengthen aviation ties and improve air links between both countries.
Both sides agreed to conclude talks within six months and sign the new pact in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The agreement followed bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, led Nigeria’s delegation in discussions with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.
According to the statement, both countries resolved to review the 59-year-old agreement to reflect current developments in the global aviation industry and emerging opportunities in international air transport.
“A major outcome of the meeting was the resolution by both sides to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Russia, which dates back to 1967, with a view to establishing a new agreement that reflects contemporary developments and emerging opportunities in international aviation,” the statement said.
The ministry said both governments had set up separate negotiating teams to begin work immediately and ensure the deal is concluded within the agreed timeframe. Further consultations will be held in the coming months.
BASAs provide the legal and regulatory basis for airlines of participating countries to operate international flights under mutually agreed conditions. The new agreement is expected to open the way for stronger air connectivity, closer institutional cooperation and greater engagement between both countries’ aviation sectors.
However, the ministry did not disclose details of proposed routes, designated airlines or the frequency of flights under the new arrangement.
Beyond the BASA review, the delegations also discussed other areas of possible cooperation in aviation and related sectors, with both sides expressing willingness to deepen institutional partnerships.
Nigeria’s delegation also included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila. Directors from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA also took part in the talks.
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