FG, Russia Begin Talks To Replace 59-Year-Old Aviation Pact

Nigeria and Russia have commenced negotiations to overhaul their 59-year-old Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) in a move aimed at deepening aviation ties and improving air transport connections between both countries.

The Federal Government said the two nations had agreed to complete negotiations within six months and execute a new aviation pact in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

The development was announced in a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood.

According to the statement, the agreement followed bilateral discussions held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

It explained that both countries had resolved to review the existing pact, which was signed in 1967, to bring it in line with developments in the global aviation industry and emerging opportunities in international air transport.

“A major outcome of the meeting was the resolution by both sides to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Russia, which dates back to 1967, with a view to establishing a new agreement that reflects contemporary developments and emerging opportunities in international aviation,” the statement said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the country’s delegation during the meeting, where he held discussions with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.

The negotiations centred on updating the existing framework that has regulated air transport relations between the two countries for nearly six decades.

The ministry disclosed that both governments had also established separate negotiating teams to commence work immediately and ensure that the proposed agreement was concluded within the agreed time frame.

“Both countries agreed on a six-month timeline to conclude the negotiations and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027,” the statement added.

Bilateral Air Services Agreements provide the regulatory and legal basis for airlines from participating countries to operate international flights under mutually agreed conditions.

The proposed replacement is therefore expected to open up opportunities for stronger air connectivity, improved institutional cooperation and increased engagement between the aviation industries of Nigeria and Russia.

However, the ministry did not disclose details of proposed flight routes, designated airlines or the possible frequency of services under the new arrangement.

It stated that the revised agreement would provide a modern framework for aviation relations and encourage mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.

“The proposed agreement is expected to provide an updated framework for bilateral air transport relations and create opportunities for enhanced connectivity, closer institutional collaboration and mutually beneficial engagement between the aviation sectors of both countries,” the ministry said.

Apart from the review of the aviation agreement, the two delegations also discussed other areas where Nigeria and Russia could expand cooperation within the aviation industry and related sectors.

Both sides expressed willingness to strengthen institutional partnerships and pursue opportunities that would advance their shared interests.

The ministry added that further consultations would be held in the coming months as the negotiating teams work towards finalising the proposed agreement.

Other members of Nigeria’s delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila.

Directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA also participated in the discussions.