Nigeria and Jamaica are considering the possibility of a direct flight route as part of efforts to strengthen their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).
This was revealed in a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Wednesday.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo met with Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, in Abuja to discuss enhancing diplomatic and air transport ties.
Downer stressed the need to review and improve the existing BASA, citing the cultural connection between both nations, including Nigeria’s influence on Afrobeat music and Nollywood in Jamaica. He also highlighted the demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria, further justifying direct air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries,” he said.
In response, Keyamo welcomed the proposal, assuring swift action. He announced plans to set up a committee to fast-track negotiations and expressed willingness to visit Jamaica to finalise the agreement.
While Jamaica currently lacks a national airline, Downer suggested integrating BASA with Trinidad and Tobago, which provides air services for Jamaica.
The ambassador also shared a personal connection to Nigeria, stating: “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”
