The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed a revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with the Kingdom of Morocco, in what officials describe as a major step toward expanding aviation cooperation between both countries.
The agreement was concluded on Wednesday during the ongoing Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) in Marrakech, where Keyamo also held a series of high-level engagements with global aviation stakeholders, including officials of the International Civil Aviation Organidation (ICAO) and the European Union.
As part of the opening-day activities, the minister paid a courtesy visit to the President of the ICAO Council, Toshiyuki Onuma, who reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria.
Onuma commended Nigeria’s progress in developing its Civil Aviation Masterplan (CAMP), describing it as a comprehensive framework for sector reform. He also acknowledged Keyamo’s presentation on “The Future of Aviation’s Workforce,” delivered at the symposium.
He further pledged ICAO’s continued support in key areas such as workforce development, capacity building, and the implementation of strategic programmes aimed at improving Nigeria’s aviation system.
In response, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ICAO standards and global best practices, stressing the country’s alignment with international aviation safety, security, and sustainability frameworks.
On the sidelines of the symposium, the minister also held discussions with the European Union delegation. Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new areas of collaboration, particularly in technical assistance, safety oversight, and regulatory strengthening within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The talks built on existing EU-Nigeria aviation partnerships, with both parties agreeing to deepen institutional ties and support reforms aimed at modernising the industry.
A key highlight of the minister’s engagements was the signing of the revised BASA with Morocco, which officials say will redefine air transport relations between both nations.
According to a statement issued by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the agreement establishes a “modern and forward-looking framework” designed to improve connectivity and expand commercial opportunities for airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies.
He added that the agreement aligns with continental aviation priorities and supports environmental sustainability while reinforcing commitments to safety, security, and operational efficiency.
Beyond aviation cooperation, the deal is also expected to stimulate broader economic benefits, including increased trade, tourism, investment flows, and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Morocco.
