Direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Belgium could unlock fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and stronger business links, Belgian envoy says. However, travellers between both countries still lack a direct flight connection, often relying on transit points in neighbouring countries to reach Brussels.
The economic potential of closing that gap was highlighted during a farewell visit by outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, to Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo in Abuja. The meeting also prompted the Minister to direct the immediate conclusion of the Nigeria-Belgium Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Belgian Envoy Highlights Economic Gains from Direct Air Connectivity
According to the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo wants the BASA concluded and signed before Ambassador Leenknegt leaves Nigeria. The envoy is expected to complete his diplomatic assignment on August 5, 2026.
During the courtesy visit, the Belgian envoy expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Belgium. He also revisited discussions on the proposed BASA, which was first raised during an earlier meeting with the Minister this year.
The Belgian envoy explained that one outstanding issue involved the European Union ownership clause affecting Belgian airlines. He noted that Belgium no longer has a national airline with a Belgian majority shareholder, requiring suitable provisions that reflect the European aviation framework.
However, Leenknegt stressed that resolving the outstanding issues could deliver significant commercial benefits. He argued that direct flights between Lagos or Abuja and Brussels would strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the Belgian envoy, Nigeria has enormous passenger traffic potential that could support direct air services. He noted that many Nigerian travellers currently transit through neighbouring countries, including Cotonou, to access flights to Brussels.
The proposed BASA, he said, represents a relatively achievable opportunity to deepen the relationship between both countries. Describing it as a “low-hanging fruit”, Leenknegt expressed hope that the agreement could be concluded before his tenure ends.
He said such an outcome would provide a fitting conclusion to his diplomatic service in Nigeria while establishing a stronger foundation for future economic and aviation cooperation.
Responding, Keyamo expressed surprise that direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Belgium had yet to materialise. The Minister pointed to Nigeria’s large population, substantial market and strong volume of business with Belgium as reasons to accelerate the process.
“It is surprising that with the size of Nigeria, our population and the volume of business between both countries, we still do not have direct flights to Brussels. We need to fast-track this process,” Keyamo said.
The Minister also highlighted Brussels’ strategic importance beyond Belgium itself. He noted that the city serves as an important European destination and a major transit hub connecting travellers to several other cities across the continent.
Therefore, direct air services could provide Nigerian travellers with improved access to Belgium and wider European destinations. In addition, the connection could support businesses seeking faster links between Nigeria and European markets.
Following the meeting, Keyamo directed the Director of Air Transport Management in the Ministry to immediately provide an update on the status of the BASA negotiations.
He further ordered that every necessary administrative process be accelerated and all outstanding issues resolved with urgency. The Minister wants the agreement signed on or before the Belgian envoy’s departure from Nigeria.
The directive places the Nigeria-Belgium BASA at the centre of efforts to improve direct air connectivity between both countries. If concluded, the agreement could provide the regulatory framework needed for airlines to establish scheduled services linking Nigeria with Brussels.
Beyond aviation, the proposed connection could have wider economic implications. Direct flights can reduce travel times, improve passenger convenience and create easier access for business travellers, tourists and investors.
Meanwhile, stronger air links could support the movement of people between both countries and encourage increased commercial activity. The development could also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional aviation market while improving its connections with Europe.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation in aviation. They also expressed optimism that direct air services between Nigeria and Belgium could soon become a reality.
For Nigeria and Belgium, the conclusion of the BASA could therefore represent more than an aviation agreement. It could become a practical pathway for expanding trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
