The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the review and ratification of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Germany as the Lufthansa Group moves to expand its operations in the Nigerian market.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance on Thursday when he received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group in his office in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria-Germany aviation relations, updating the existing BASA, and plans by the German aviation group to deepen its presence in Nigeria.
The Lufthansa delegation comprised Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations and Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey.
A major issue discussed was the BASA signed by Nigeria and Germany in 2010, which the delegation said is due for review, updating and ratification to reflect current developments in the aviation relationship between both countries.
Dietzen-Zill commended the Minister for the reforms and initiatives being implemented to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry, particularly the country’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
She said the reforms had helped to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market while underscoring the country’s strategic importance within the global aviation industry.
According to her, Lufthansa Group remains committed to working towards a stronger and more modern aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany.
She disclosed that the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the existing BASA, with a view to concluding its revision and paving the way for eventual ratification.
Beyond the bilateral agreement, the Lufthansa delegation revealed plans to introduce Eurowings, another carrier within the Lufthansa Group, into the Nigerian market.
The airline is expected to commence operations in Nigeria next year, with Boeing 737-series aircraft, a development that would further strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss broader areas of cooperation and ways of creating a more conducive environment for sustained investment and international airline operations.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Lufthansa’s longstanding presence and operations in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, expands connectivity and encourages international airlines to deepen their operations in the country.
The Minister assured the Lufthansa representatives of his readiness to support the group within the ambit of his mandate, stressing that the Ministry remained open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo further said the administration was pursuing policies aimed at strengthening investor confidence, deepening bilateral aviation relations and positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.