Nigeria and Jamaica are exploring the possibility of establishing a direct flight route as part of efforts to enhance their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
According to The Guardian, this development was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, met with the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, in Abuja to discuss strengthening air transport ties between both nations.
Ambassador Downer highlighted the growing diplomatic and cultural connections between Nigeria and Jamaica, emphasising the importance of improving bilateral air services.
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially in air services,” he stated.
Downer also noted the increasing popularity of Nigerian culture in Jamaica, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, further justifying the need for direct air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” he added.
In response, Keyamo welcomed the proposal and assured that a committee would be set up to fast-track the process.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will establish a committee to expedite the process,” he said, adding that he is willing to visit Jamaica to finalize the agreement if necessary.
Downer revealed that Jamaica currently lacks a national airline, relying on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. He suggested incorporating Trinidad and Tobago into the agreement to address the air services gap and cater to the increasing travel demand from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, the Jamaican envoy expressed a personal connection, stating, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”
