Nigeria and Jamaica are moving forward in their efforts to establish a direct air link under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), a development that is expected to enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the two nations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed his support for the proposal put forward by the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Lincoln Downer, to initiate the BASA arrangement.
During a high-level diplomatic engagement in Abuja, Keyamo welcomed Ambassador Downer and his Consular, His Excellency Andre Hibbert, stating that he was eager to fast-track the agreement. He announced that a special committee would be set up to ensure a swift resolution to the process.
Keyamo further emphasized his dedication to finalizing the agreement, stating that he is willing to travel to Jamaica personally to conclude and sign the BASA deal. The meeting, which was held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, was described as a significant milestone in deepening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the discussions, Ambassador Downer highlighted his deep appreciation for Nigeria and shared a personal revelation about his possible ancestral ties to the country.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all. This personal revelation set the tone for a productive discussion on strengthening the ties between the two nations, particularly in the areas of air services, trade, and investment,” he stated.
He emphasized that one of his key mandates as the Jamaican envoy is to review and enhance diplomatic engagements between the two nations, particularly in aviation and trade.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the rising influence of Nigerian culture in Jamaica, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which have gained immense popularity among Jamaicans.
“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.
Addressing Air Travel and Connectivity Challenges
A major discussion point was the lack of a national carrier in Jamaica, which currently depends on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. To address this issue, Ambassador Downer proposed combining the BASA agreement between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to help bridge the air services gap.
He highlighted the increasing demand for travel between Nigeria and Jamaica, emphasizing that direct air connectivity would benefit both nations by facilitating tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Next Steps in the Agreement
The meeting between Keyamo and Ambassador Downer marks a crucial step toward the realization of the Nigeria-Jamaica direct air link. With the establishment of the proposed committee and ongoing discussions, the two nations are expected to finalize the BASA agreement soon.
This collaboration sets the stage for stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Jamaica, with prospects of increased business, tourism, and cultural exchanges in the near future.
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