Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of establishing a direct flight route as both countries seek to strengthen their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The development follows a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, alongside his Consular, Andre Hibbert, in Abuja.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Cultural Ties

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Downer emphasized the need to enhance diplomatic relations between both nations, including revisiting and improving the BASA agreement.

“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” he stated.

He further highlighted Jamaica’s growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly in Afrobeats and Nollywood, and the increasing demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria.

“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer added.

Nigeria Moves to Fast-Track Agreement

In response, Aviation Minister Keyamo expressed enthusiasm about the proposed air connectivity, assuring that Nigeria would expedite the BASA process.

“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” Keyamo said.

He also pledged to personally travel to Jamaica if necessary to finalize and sign the agreement.

Addressing Jamaica’s Air Transport Challenges

During the discussions, Ambassador Downer noted that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier, relying on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.

To bridge this gap, he suggested the integration of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago under the BASA agreement, enabling seamless travel options between the Caribbean and Nigeria.

Downer further shared a personal revelation from his four-month stay in Nigeria, stating:

“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”

If implemented, the direct flight route could enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between both nations, further deepening the historical and economic ties between Nigeria and Jamaica.