The Federal Government has expressed support for the review and ratification of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Germany, as the Lufthansa Group explores further expansion of its operations in the Nigerian market.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group in Abuja, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral aviation relations, updating the existing air services agreement and creating a more conducive environment for international airline investment.
The delegation, comprising Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations and Traffic Rights at Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey, said the Nigeria-Germany BASA, signed in 2010, requires review and ratification to reflect the current state of aviation relations between both countries.
Dietzen-Zill disclosed that Germany’s Ministry of Transport was reviewing the existing agreement, with the aim of concluding its revision and eventual ratification.
She commended the Federal Government’s aviation reforms, particularly Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, saying the measures were helping to strengthen confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and enhance the country’s position in the global aviation industry.
The Lufthansa Group delegation also disclosed plans to introduce Eurowings, another carrier within the group, to the Nigerian market next year. The airline is expected to operate Boeing 737-series aircraft, potentially adding capacity and strengthening air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The proposed Eurowings entry would further expand the Lufthansa Group’s presence in Nigeria while providing passengers with additional travel options between the two markets.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation relationship with Germany. He also acknowledged Lufthansa’s longstanding presence in the Nigerian market and expressed the government’s readiness to support legitimate investments and sustainable airline operations.
The minister said the government remained open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations in Nigeria, adding that policies were being pursued to improve investor confidence, enhance connectivity and create a more supportive operating environment.
The review of the BASA, alongside Lufthansa Group’s planned expansion, comes as Nigeria seeks to deepen international air connectivity and attract greater investment into its aviation sector.
Keyamo stressed that strengthening bilateral aviation relationships remained important to positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa, while supporting the growth of international passenger and business connectivity.
