April 15, 2025
After 20 years in waiting, Nigeria has finally signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with Trinidad and Tobago.
Nigeria is currently seen as the first African nation to enter into such an aviation partnership with a Caribbean country.
The signing ceremony which took place at the VIP lounge of the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad, was announcement by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, via his official X account on Monday.
Signing the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Keyamo, revealed that negotiations for the deal began more than two decades ago but was remained stalled.
Keyamo, described the finalization of the BASA as a major milestone in Nigeria’s effort to open up the trans-Atlantic route and expand its air connectivity.
“In our continued effort to open up the South American and Caribbean routes to Nigeria, earlier today. I signed the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago that has been in limbo for more than two decades when negotiations began,” Keyamo stated.
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The minister also highlighted the broader picture of the agreement, called it a strategic step towards a strengthened economic and social cooperation among Global South nations in response to a continuous ever changing global dynamics.
Through this agreement, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago have set the stage for direct air connectivity, that would enhance a reduced travel time and costs between West Africa and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding its global aviation network in the past few months.
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Nigeria had in February 2025, amended the UAE Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, to enhance codeshare arrangements, while boosting interlining opportunities and strengthening bilateral aviation ties.
In March 2025, Nigeria finalized a Code-sharing Agreement with Canada under a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), aimed at improving air connectivity and offering greater convenience for passengers traveling both countries.
Following a commitment made in February 2024 by Presidents Tinubu and Lula da Silva in Addis Ababa to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, both countries have advanced discussions to activate their Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, which would establish direct flights between the two countries.
