Nigeria and Russia have committed to finalising a refreshed air services treaty within a six‑month window, targeting a signing ceremony in Saint Petersburg in April 2027. The agreement, which updates the 1967 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), is expected to modernise flight routes, boost connectivity and foster deeper institutional ties between the two nations.
Key points:
- The negotiation period is limited to six months, starting immediately after the meeting in Moscow.
- The new pact will be signed in Saint Petersburg in April 2027.
- Delegates include senior officials from Nigeria’s civil aviation regulator and training institutions.
- Both sides will explore additional areas of aviation and related sector cooperation.
What is being renegotiated?
The parties agreed to overhaul the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement that has governed Nigeria‑Russia flights since 1967. The aim is to align the framework with contemporary aviation standards and emerging market opportunities.
When will the new agreement be signed?
Both governments set an April 2027 deadline for concluding negotiations and executing the revised treaty in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Who are the Nigerian officials involved?
The Nigerian team was led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and featured the Director‑General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, as well as Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). Additional representatives came from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA.
What other cooperation areas were discussed?
Beyond the BASA review, the meeting touched on broader collaboration possibilities, including joint training programmes, technology exchange, and coordinated development of aviation infrastructure. Both delegations expressed intent to pursue these opportunities over the coming months to deepen bilateral relations.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Third Russia‑Africa Summit in Moscow, where Keyamo met with Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation. Both sides have already formed negotiating teams to begin work immediately and meet the agreed timeline.