Nigeria and Russia have agreed to renegotiate their bilateral air services agreement (BASA), establishing a six-month timetable that is intended to lead to the signing of a replacement agreement in Saint Petersburg in April 2027.
The decision was reached during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. Nigeria’s delegation was led by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while Russia was represented by Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
A framework dating from 1967
The existing BASA dates from 1967. The Nigerian and Russian sides said that the agreement should be revised to reflect changes in international aviation and the opportunities now being considered between the two countries.
A statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, said the negotiations would be supported by teams appointed by both governments. Those teams are expected to begin work immediately, with the six-month timetable running towards the proposed signing meeting in Russia.
“Both countries agreed on a six-month timeline to conclude the negotiations and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027. To facilitate this process, the two sides have constituted their respective negotiating teams to commence work immediately and ensure that the agreed timeline is met.”
The proposed agreement is intended to provide an updated regulatory basis for air transport relations between Nigeria and Russia. The statement linked the review to potential improvements in connectivity, institutional cooperation and wider engagement between the two aviation sectors.
Further cooperation under consideration
The meeting also covered possible cooperation beyond the revision of the existing air services framework. The two governments said they would examine additional areas of shared interest in aviation and related sectors during the coming months.
- Existing framework: the current BASA was signed in 1967.
- Negotiation timetable: the two sides have set a six-month period for completing the talks.
- Planned signing: the replacement agreement is targeted for Saint Petersburg in April 2027.
The Nigerian delegation 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), and directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA.
The announcement sets out a negotiation process and a proposed signing date. It does not announce a specific new route, carrier or operating schedule between Nigeria and Russia. Any such arrangements would depend on the terms ultimately agreed and the subsequent actions of airlines and aviation authorities.
