Nigeria has signed a bilateral air services agreement (BASA) with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to allow both countries to commence direct flight operations.
The agreement was signed on Monday by Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, and Rohan Sinanan, Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of works and transport, at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a statement, Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to Keyamo, said the development marks the official commencement of direct air links between the two nations.
Moshood noted that the agreement is the outcome of diplomatic and technical discussions that date back to the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo was Nigeria’s president 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.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo said the agreement would boost trade, tourism, and cultural ties and strengthen connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
“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 said the agreement grants designated airlines from both countries the rights to operate passenger and cargo flights, establish commercial agreements, and access the other’s territory under agreed terms.
The spokesperson said the agreement is expected to significantly strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.
“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.
According to the statement, the agreement is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing commitment to promoting regional integration, improving air connectivity, and advancing diplomatic relations through aviation.
The minister was accompanied by top officials from the federal ministry of aviation and aerospace development
