Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has emphasized the need for reciprocity in air services, stating that he will communicate with his UK counterpart to activate London Heathrow slots for Nigerian airlines. The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by both countries provides for reciprocity. However, Keyamo questioned why UK carriers choose prime Nigerian routes while giving Nigerian airlines second-tier airports.
He said, “Lufthansa is coming here, but we are not going to Frankfurt. Delta, United are coming from America, but we are not going there. South Africa is coming here with no reciprocity. Meanwhile, we have managed to get to London Gatwick, and we are pushing for Heathrow. I am writing a letter to my counterpart in the UK. You can’t tell us you have a slot committee. If you are concessioning your airports to people, you need to respect your obligations. Tell those in your slot committee to respect BASAs.”
Keyamo stressed that without reciprocity, Nigerian airlines won’t get the connectivity needed. When they access Heathrow, they can buy many tickets, and local airlines can codeshare with others. However, airlines need access to aircraft, and they are discussing this with the Aviation Working Group, which includes Airbus and Boeing.
Furthermore, Keyamo questioned the capacity of local insurers, attributing it as one reason for high fares. He made this assertion at the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Conference, themed “Aviation Survivability Amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment.”
Keyamo spoke on the Cape Town Convention, reciprocity in air services, and planned policies to revitalize the sector. He stated, “This whole issue that insurance must be domiciled in the local market…we have to give lessors the assurance that they can place their risk in the international market and still get aircraft here.”
He noted that most major airlines use dry leases, which helps lower leasing costs, and Nigeria can adopt the same approach. “The rule of NAICOM is that all insurance must be domesticated. However, after insuring with domestic insurers, they reinsure. They do not have the capacity. Airlines pay double the rate, which reflects in increased airline tickets.”
On the Cape Town Convention, Keyamo mentioned that they are preparing actions beyond the Convention to enable them to check airlines. “We are drafting rules and practice directions to comply fully with the Cape Town Convention. This will align us with global best practices and open doors,” he said.
