Nigeria and Russia Move to Modernize 1967 Aviation Agreement

Nigeria and the Russian Federation have initiated formal steps to overhaul their bilateral aviation framework, a move intended to align air transport relations with modern industry standards. The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, according to a report by Channels Television.

Updating a 1967 Framework

The current Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two nations dates back to 1967. Officials from both countries have identified this document as outdated, noting that it no longer reflects the contemporary realities of the global aviation sector. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation, while the Russian side was represented by Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, the State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport.

The primary objective of the renegotiation is to establish a new agreement that facilitates enhanced connectivity and fosters closer institutional collaboration. According to a statement issued by the Nigerian aviation ministry, the updated framework is intended to create mutually beneficial engagement between the two countries’ aviation sectors.

Timeline and Next Steps

Both nations have established a strict timeline to ensure the transition to a new agreement is efficient. The parties have agreed to a six-month window to conclude negotiations. If the process proceeds as planned, the final agreement is expected to be signed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

To support this goal, both countries have formed dedicated negotiating teams tasked with commencing work immediately. The Nigerian delegation involved in these discussions included:

• Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
• Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
• Various directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Beyond the specific task of updating the BASA, the meeting served as a platform to explore broader cooperation. While the statement from the aviation ministry did not provide specific details on these additional areas, it noted that both parties expressed a commitment to identifying further shared interests in aviation and related sectors in the coming months.

The move to modernize the 1967 agreement is framed as a strategic effort to capitalize on emerging opportunities in international air transport. As of the time of reporting, further details regarding the specific technical changes to the agreement have not been made public.

Conclusion

The commitment to renegotiate the 1967 BASA marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to update its international aviation partnerships. By setting a clear deadline for April 2027, both Nigeria and Russia have signaled an intent to move past legacy frameworks in favor of agreements that better address the complexities of modern air travel and institutional cooperation.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

Tags: Aviation · BASA · International Relations · news · Nigeria · Russia · ViralBrief