Nigeria and Russia have agreed on a six-month timeline to conclude negotiations and sign a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA Deal in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.
The agreement follows a high-level bilateral meeting between both countries on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The discussions focused on modernising the existing aviation framework and expanding cooperation in international air transport.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting. He held discussions with Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
According to the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, both delegations agreed to renegotiate their existing BASA deal, which dates back to 1967. The proposed review seeks to establish a modern framework that reflects developments in international aviation and emerging opportunities between both countries.
Nigeria, Russia Target New BASA Deal Within Six Months
The six-month deadline represents a major step towards replacing the decades-old agreement governing air services between Nigeria and Russia.
Both countries have constituted negotiating teams to begin work immediately. The teams are expected to coordinate discussions and complete the necessary negotiations within the agreed timeframe.
The two governments have also agreed to sign the revised BASA deal in Saint Petersburg in April 2027. This provides a specific timeline for concluding the process and formalising the renewed bilateral aviation relationship.
However, the outcome will depend on the negotiating teams reaching agreement on the terms of the proposed framework. Both sides are expected to work towards completing the process within the six-month window.
What the New Aviation Agreement Could Deliver
The proposed BASA deal is expected to provide an updated framework for air transport relations between Nigeria and Russia. It could also create opportunities for improved connectivity and closer institutional collaboration.
In addition, the agreement is expected to support mutually beneficial engagement between the aviation sectors of both countries. This could strengthen cooperation across areas of shared interest in international air transport.
However, the meeting’s reported outcome did not specify proposed airline routes, flight frequencies or designated carriers. Details of the operational arrangements will therefore depend on the negotiations and provisions eventually adopted.
The renegotiation nevertheless signals renewed interest in strengthening aviation relations between the two countries. It also provides an opportunity to address the limitations of an agreement established nearly six decades ago.
NCAA, NCAT Officials Join Nigeria’s Delegation
Nigeria’s delegation included Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo. Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, also participated in the meeting.
Directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA were also part of the delegation. Their participation brought together officials responsible for aviation policy, regulation and professional training.
Meanwhile, discussions extended beyond the proposed review of the BASA deal. Both delegations explored other potential areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Russia.
According to Moshood’s statement, both parties expressed commitment to examining these opportunities over the coming months. They also intend to identify areas of shared interest across aviation and related sectors.
The proposed renegotiation now provides a defined timeline for both governments to translate their commitments into a new bilateral aviation framework. The April 2027 signing target will be an important milestone in determining the outcome of the renewed engagement.
