Nigeria has secured a landmark reciprocal air service agreement with the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral aviation ties between the two nations. The new deal comes just days before Emirates Airlines is set to resume its flights to Nigeria on October 1, following months of diplomatic and technical consultations.
The agreement, finalised during a meeting on Friday, was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside his technical team. Discussions with UAE aviation authorities centred on expanding collaboration and setting the stage for the smooth reintroduction of Emirates into Nigerian airspace.
A statement from the minister’s office highlighted that the deal includes crucial provisions for reciprocal operational rights, allowing Nigerian airlines to commence direct flights to the UAE. “This marks a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and offering more options to travellers between the two nations,” the statement read.
Keyamo hailed the agreement as a milestone in aviation diplomacy. “We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, which will deepen our bilateral ties and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” he said. He also expressed optimism about the future, noting that the deal would create a “thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship” as Emirates returns to Nigerian skies.
This accord represents the culmination of months of high-level negotiations, aimed at restoring direct air travel between Nigeria and the UAE while ensuring that both nations reap the benefits of expanded aviation links.