Nigeria, Russia move to replace 59-year-old aviation deal

File: Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Nigeria and Russia have begun efforts to replace their 59-year-old Bilateral Air Services Agreement with a new framework to strengthen aviation cooperation and expand air transport connectivity between the two countries.

The Federal Government disclosed that both countries had agreed to conclude negotiations within six months and sign a new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, the decision followed a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

The statement read, “A major outcome of the meeting was the resolution by both sides to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Russia, which dates back to 1967, with a view to establishing a new agreement that reflects contemporary developments and emerging opportunities in international aviation.”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation to the meeting, where discussions were held with the State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Zverev.

The talks focused on modernising the existing agreement, which has governed bilateral air transport relations between Nigeria and Russia since 1967.

The proposed replacement is expected to establish updated arrangements for aviation cooperation, taking into account changes in international air transport and emerging opportunities for both countries.

The ministry stated, “Both countries agreed on a six-month timeline to conclude the negotiations and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.”

It added that Nigeria and Russia had constituted separate negotiating teams to begin work immediately towards meeting the agreed deadline.

The development marks a fresh attempt to update the aviation relationship between the two countries, nearly six decades after the original agreement was established.

Bilateral Air Services Agreements generally provide the legal framework under which airlines from participating countries may operate international air services, subject to agreed conditions and applicable regulatory approvals.

The proposed agreement could therefore create a basis for improved air connectivity between Nigeria and Russia, although the statement did not specify proposed routes, designated airlines or the frequency of potential flight operations.

The ministry said, “The proposed agreement is expected to provide an updated framework for bilateral air transport relations and create opportunities for enhanced connectivity, closer institutional collaboration and mutually beneficial engagement between the aviation sectors of both countries.”

Beyond renegotiating the existing aviation pact, both countries also examined additional areas of cooperation in aviation and related sectors.

According to the statement, the two delegations said they were willing to explore opportunities to strengthen institutional relationships and promote shared interests.

The ministry noted that further engagements would take place in the coming months as the countries work towards finalising the agreement.

Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila.

Directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA also participated in the discussions.