Nigeria has strengthened its aviation diplomacy through ongoing negotiations with South Africa, Scandinavia, and other global partners at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event 2025 (ICAN2025), currently taking place in Punta and Cana, Dominican Republic.
The ICAN2025, held under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provide a vital platform for countries to negotiate and modernize Air Service Agreements, promoting growth and investment across the global air transport sector.
According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the discussions aim to expand Nigeria’s air connectivity, foster trade, and reinforce the country’s standing in international aviation.
At the Nigeria-South Africa bilateral meeting, South Africa requested fifth freedom traffic rights and an additional designation for another flag carrier-Airlink, to operate the Cape Town-Lagos route alongside South African Airways.
During the Nigeria-Scandinavia session, representatives from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark agreed to exchange Air Service Agreement documents for further review and deliberation, marking progress in Nigeria’s engagement with Northern Europe.
Similarly, negotiations with Hong Kong and Tanzania focused on reviewing existing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) to improve connectivity and strengthen mutually beneficial aviation relationships.
Amid these high-level discussions, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, is leading the Nigerian delegation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening international aviation cooperation through ICAN2025.
“Nigeria’s active participation in ICAN2025 reflects our determination to expand market access for Nigerian carriers and strengthen the country’s global aviation footprint,” Keyamo said on the sidelines of the event.
On the Minister’s delegation are key officials including Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, Director of Air Transport Management; Mrs. Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, Director of Air Transport Regulations, NCAA.
Also present are Mrs. Mary Tufano Eche, Director of Legal Services, NCAA; and Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA.
Representatives of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are also in attendance, including Mrs. Toyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, and Mr. Charles Johnson Ararume, Chief Financial Officer of Arik Air, among other industry stakeholders.
The five-day ICAN2025 event, which runs from November 10 to 14, 2025, was officially opened by His Excellency, Mr. Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, President of the Dominican Republic, and Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, outgoing President of the ICAO Council. Both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and equitable access in advancing global aviation.
Nigeria’s participation at ICAN2025 demonstrates a renewed focus on building strategic partnerships, improving market access, and supporting national carriers to expand their reach across continents.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of Equatorial Guinea as the next host of ICAN, signalling Africa’s growing influence in shaping the future of international air transport.
