The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Belgium, with a mandate that the pact be signed before the departure of the outgoing Belgian Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt.
Keyamo gave the directive while receiving the Belgian envoy on a farewell visit in Abuja. Leenknegt is expected to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria on August 5, 2026.
During the meeting, the ambassador commended the cordial relations between Nigeria and Belgium and revisited discussions on the proposed BASA, which was first initiated during an earlier engagement with the minister this year.
Leenknegt explained that one of the key issues delaying the agreement was the European Union ownership clause, noting that Belgium no longer has a national airline with a Belgian majority shareholder. He said the agreement would therefore require provisions that align with the realities of the European aviation framework while ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.
The ambassador also recalled previous discussions with officials of the Ministry, during which he was informed that the BASA process could be concluded by October. Seeking an update on the timeline, he emphasised the enormous economic and commercial benefits that direct air links between Nigeria and Belgium would generate.
According to him, direct flights between Lagos or Abuja and Brussels would significantly boost trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that many Nigerian travellers currently transit through neighbouring countries, particularly Cotonou, to connect to Brussels despite Nigeria’s huge passenger traffic potential.
Describing the agreement as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of strengthening bilateral ties, Leenknegt expressed hope that it would be concluded before the end of his diplomatic tenure, saying it would serve as a fitting capstone to his service in Nigeria.
Responding, Keyamo expressed surprise that both countries were yet to establish direct air connectivity despite Nigeria’s population, market size and growing business relationship with Belgium.
“It is surprising that with the size of Nigeria, our population and the volume of business between both countries, we still do not have direct flights to Brussels. We need to fast-track this process”, the minister said.
He observed that Brussels is not only a key European destination but also an important transit hub linking travellers to several cities across Europe, making the BASA strategically important for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
To accelerate the process, the minister directed the Director of Air Transport Management in the Ministry to immediately provide him with the current status of negotiations with Belgium and ensure that all administrative procedures are expedited.
He further ordered that all outstanding issues be resolved without delay so that the agreement can be signed on or before Leenknegt’s departure in the coming weeks.
According to the minister, the agreement will enhance air connectivity, stimulate investment, promote tourism and further strengthen the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Belgium.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening aviation cooperation and expressing optimism that direct flights between Nigeria and Belgium would soon become a reality.