The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Morocco to expand flight operations and strengthen tourism and commercial ties between the two nations.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the new agreement is expected to improve air connectivity, create more operational opportunities for airlines, and deepen economic relations between both countries.
Agreement signed at global aviation summit
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the revised agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco during the Global Implementation Support Symposium held in Marrakech.
Keyamo described the agreement as a major step toward strengthening bilateral air transport relations between the two countries.
According to the government, the revised BASA establishes a modern and forward-looking framework designed to enhance connectivity, expand commercial cooperation, and create more operational opportunities for airlines, airports, and regulatory agencies.
Officials also noted that the deal aligns with broader continental aviation development goals, while supporting safety, security, environmental sustainability, and increased trade and tourism.
Engagement with global aviation stakeholders
On the sidelines of the symposium, the Nigerian aviation minister held strategic meetings with global aviation stakeholders aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation ecosystem.
Discussions focused on workforce development, technical cooperation, and capacity building to support long-term growth in the sector.
Leaders of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commended Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Master Plan and pledged continued support for the country’s aviation development efforts.
The minister also held talks with representatives of the European Union on opportunities to expand technical cooperation, improve safety oversight, and strengthen aviation institutions.
Nigeria’s aviation sector undergoing transformation
Nigeria’s aviation industry has recently witnessed major policy reforms and infrastructure investments aimed at long-term transformation.
The country recently received a 20-year Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) from ICAO covering the period 2025 to 2045, designed to modernise airport infrastructure and accommodate rising passenger and cargo traffic.
The plan includes the integration of advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, improved safety frameworks, aerotropolis development, sustainability initiatives, and human capital development.
It also prioritises the expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to strengthen Nigeria’s aircraft servicing capacity.
In addition, the Federal Government has approved the rollout of the VPASS biometric passenger verification system, aimed at improving airport security and passenger identification processes.
Electronic immigration gates (e-gates) are also being deployed across major international airports to speed up passenger clearance and improve travel experience.
Reforms boosting investor confidence
Nigeria’s aviation sector has seen a wave of reforms aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and investor confidence.
In 2024, the country exited the Aviation Working Group watchlist after achieving a 75.5% score on the Cape Town Convention Compliance Index, signaling improved aircraft leasing compliance.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also strengthened aircraft leasing enforcement through new regulatory guidelines focused on IDERA compliance.
In 2025, the Federal Government approved ₦987 billion for aviation infrastructure projects, including ₦712.26 billion for the redevelopment of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Meanwhile, local airlines such as Air Peace and Ibom Air are developing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities to boost local aircraft servicing capacity and reduce dependence on foreign maintenance hubs.
