Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has backed efforts towards BASA approval and a review of Nigeria’s aviation agreement with Germany. This comes as the Lufthansa Group plans to expand its Nigerian operations by introducing Eurowings into the Nigeria market from 2027.
Keyamo received a Lufthansa Group delegation in Abuja for talks on strengthening Nigeria-Germany aviation relations, including the review of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the push for BASA approval.
According to the delegation, the existing BASA was signed in 2010 and now requires updating to reflect current aviation realities and the evolving relationship between Nigeria and Germany.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to pursue stronger international aviation relationships and greater connectivity. Recent engagements by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have also placed greater emphasis on reviewing bilateral agreements and creating conditions for increased international airline operations.
BASA Approval Tops Nigeria-Germany Aviation Talks
According to a statement made available by Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, a major issue discussed was the pathway towards BASA approval following the review of the existing Nigeria-Germany agreement. The delegation said the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the agreement, with the aim of reaching a conclusion on its revision and eventual ratification.
Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations & Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, Dietzen-Zill also commended the Minister for reforms being implemented across Nigeria’s aviation sector. She specifically highlighted Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention as an important development for the industry.
The Lufthansa representative said the reforms were helping to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market. She also recognised Nigeria’s strategic importance within the global aviation industry and expressed support for a stronger aviation framework that could advance BASA approval between Nigeria and Germany.
The review therefore has significance beyond the legal status of the agreement. A modernised framework could provide clearer conditions for international carriers while supporting wider connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
Lufthansa Plans Eurowings Entry into Nigeria
Another major development from the meeting was Lufthansa Group’s plan to introduce Eurowings into the Nigerian market. The delegation informed Keyamo that the carrier is expected to commence operations next year.
Eurowings is another airline within the Lufthansa Group. According to the delegation, its planned Nigerian operations are expected to use Boeing 737-series aircraft, potentially adding capacity and connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The planned entry would expand the Lufthansa Group’s presence in the Nigerian market. It could also provide passengers with additional options for travelling between the two countries and onward destinations within the wider European network.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa has maintained a longstanding presence in Nigeria. Historical aviation data also show Lufthansa operating services linking Nigeria with Germany, underscoring the longstanding commercial relationship between the airline and the Nigerian market.
Keyamo Backs Stronger Aviation Relations
Responding to the delegation, Keyamo welcomed the representatives and expressed appreciation for Lufthansa’s longstanding presence and operations in Nigeria.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment. He also emphasised policies aimed at improving connectivity and encouraging international airlines to deepen their operations in Nigeria.
Keyamo assured the Lufthansa Group representatives of his readiness to support the airline within the scope of his mandate. He said the Ministry remained open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to Nigeria’s aviation growth.
The Minister further stressed the administration’s commitment to policies that enhance investor confidence. He also linked the effort to strengthening bilateral aviation relationships and positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Updated Framework Could Shape Future Connectivity
For airlines, bilateral air services agreements provide an important framework for international operations. Their provisions can influence market access, designated carriers, routes, frequencies and other operating arrangements between participating countries.
Consequently, updating the Nigeria-Germany BASA approval could provide a framework better suited to present-day traffic patterns. It could also support the introduction of additional services and strengthen opportunities for airlines operating between the two markets.
For Nigeria, the development also comes as the country seeks to improve its attractiveness to international aviation investors. The Lufthansa Group’s interest in expanding operations could therefore provide another test of Nigeria’s evolving aviation environment. At the same time, the proposed BASA review gives both governments an opportunity to address existing provisions and align the agreement with current market conditions.
