Nigeria and Jamaica Move to Establish Direct Flight Route for Stronger Air Links

Nigeria and Jamaica Move to Establish Direct Flight Route for Stronger Air Links

Nigeria and Jamaica are considering the establishment of a direct flight route to enhance their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

This was revealed in a statement on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, met with the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, in Abuja to discuss ways to improve air transport connections between the two nations.

Ambassador Downer emphasized the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Jamaica, particularly the rising influence of Afrobeat music and Nollywood films in Jamaica. He underscored the need for direct air connectivity, noting that Nigerian culture is increasingly embraced in Jamaica and that Nigerian demand for Jamaican products, such as spices, is on the rise.

“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer stated.

Keyamo welcomed the proposal and assured that a committee would be established to fast-track the agreement.

“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will establish a committee to expedite the process,” Keyamo said, adding that he is open to visiting Jamaica to finalize the agreement if needed.

Ambassador Downer also revealed that Jamaica currently lacks a national airline and relies on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. He suggested incorporating Trinidad and Tobago into the agreement to bridge the air services gap and cater to the increasing travel demand between Nigeria and Jamaica.

Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Downer shared a personal sentiment, saying, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”