Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed officials to conclude the long-delayed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Belgium.
The directive was issued as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier Etihad Airways announced plans to resume operations in Nigeria after a four-year suspension caused by diplomatic disputes involving visa restrictions and blocked revenue funds.
According to a statement by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the developments followed separate meetings between the minister, the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, and a senior delegation from Etihad Airways in Abuja.
The meetings highlighted renewed efforts by the Federal Government to expand international air connectivity and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ties with other countries.
During Leenknegt’s farewell visit ahead of the end of his diplomatic tenure on 5 August 2026, Keyamo instructed officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to accelerate negotiations on the BASA with Belgium.
The minister directed the Director of Air Transport Management to provide an immediate update on the negotiations and address outstanding issues to enable the agreement to be signed before the ambassador’s departure.
Leenknegt said one of the major issues delaying the agreement was the European Union ownership clause, explaining that Belgium no longer had a national airline with majority Belgian ownership. He said the agreement needed to reflect current European aviation regulations.
The ambassador said direct flights between Nigeria and Brussels would promote trade, tourism and closer relations between both countries. He noted that many Nigerian travellers currently use neighbouring countries, including Benin Republic, as transit points when travelling to Belgium.
Describing the BASA as a “low-hanging fruit”, Leenknegt expressed hope that the agreement could be completed before the end of his tenure.
Keyamo said it was surprising that Nigeria and Belgium, despite their strong economic relationship and significant passenger traffic, still lacked direct air links.
“It is surprising that with the size of Nigeria, our population and the volume of business between both countries, we still do not have direct flights to Brussels. We need to fast-track this process,” he said.
The minister added that Brussels remained an important European gateway and transit hub, making the agreement significant for Nigeria’s aviation sector and economic relations with Belgium.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has formally notified the Federal Government of its decision to return to the Nigerian market after suspending flights in 2022.
The airline’s delegation, led by its Senior Vice-President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, informed Keyamo that the airline planned to restart daily Lagos-Abu Dhabi services between 24 and 27 March 2027.
The flights will be operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Al Ali also revealed that Etihad had entered into a codeshare agreement with Nigerian carrier Air Peace as part of efforts to improve connectivity within the Nigerian market.
Keyamo welcomed the development, describing it as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He praised Etihad’s partnership with Air Peace and encouraged the airline to consider launching services to Abuja.
The minister said expanding operations beyond Lagos would benefit passengers from northern Nigeria, many of whom currently travel to Lagos before connecting to destinations in the UAE and other countries, including Saudi Arabia.
“I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good. Air Peace is one of our trusted and most reliable airlines. We are supporting them to grow. It is a very proud Nigerian flag carrier.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space available for you in Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic,” he said.
To support Etihad’s return, Keyamo directed the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, to provide the necessary operational assistance at Lagos airport.
Kuku assured the delegation that FAAN would make temporary arrangements to support the airline’s operations while ongoing terminal expansion projects are completed.
The minister also ordered the formation of a joint working committee involving officials from the ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways to speed up regulatory approvals, operational planning and preparations for the airline’s return.
Both sides agreed to begin virtual engagements the following week to ensure a smooth resumption of Etihad’s services to Nigeria.
