Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has held high-level talks with Saudi Arabian officials in Riyadh to strengthen aviation cooperation between the two countries, with a major focus on enhancing the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).
Keyamo met separately with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.
The meetings, which took place on Tuesday, also aimed at ensuring smooth and efficient operations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said the discussions centred on reviewing the current BASA to reflect modern realities in the global aviation industry.
The two sides examined the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), particularly the sharing formula for the annual airlift of Nigerian pilgrims by designated airlines from both countries.
Keyamo emphasised the need for fairness, efficiency, and mutual benefit in the revised agreement.Other critical issues discussed included the allocation of flight slots to Nigerian carriers for the 2026 Hajj operations and the determination of the percentage of pilgrims to be transported by airlines from each country.
The meetings also addressed operational challenges faced by Nigerian airlines, with both parties committing to measures that will improve performance and ensure seamless pilgrim airlift.
Describing the engagements as “frank, constructive and productive,” the statement noted that both sides demonstrated strong commitment to deepening aviation ties and resolving all outstanding issues.
Keyamo expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to international aviation standards and strategic partnerships.
Decisions reached during the meetings, especially those concerning the 2026 Hajj, have already been communicated to Nigeria’s designated airlines for immediate implementation.
The minister was accompanied by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, and senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
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