Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct passenger and cargo flights between the two nations in a move aimed at deepening trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties.
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held at the VIP Lounge of Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago, with Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, representing their respective governments.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Minister Keyamo, the agreement is the result of years of diplomatic and technical consultations that began during the administration of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Keyamo noted that the current administration’s proactive efforts brought the long-anticipated deal to fruition.
“Today’s signing not only honors a bilateral vision initiated during President Obasanjo’s tenure but also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its global aviation footprint,” Keyamo said. “This agreement will significantly boost trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and strengthen connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean.”
Under the BASA, designated airlines from both countries will be granted the rights to operate passenger and cargo services, enter into commercial agreements, and access each other’s territories under mutually agreed conditions.
Minister Sinanan expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential to enhance collaboration and open new opportunities for carriers in both regions. “This marks a major step in improving Caribbean–African cooperation in aviation and beyond,” he said.
The pact adds to Nigeria’s growing list of international aviation partnerships and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance regional integration, promote global connectivity, and strengthen economic diplomacy through aviation.
