May 27, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has received the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Alberto Castellar Padilla, in Abuja as both countries move to strengthen bilateral ties through direct air connectivity.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, the visit—held on Monday—focused on plans to launch direct flight operations between Nigeria and Venezuela.
During the meeting, Ambassador Padilla disclosed that Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA Airlines, is fully prepared to commence flights to Nigeria. He called for the support of the Federal Government to facilitate the necessary processes for a smooth take-off of the service.
Responding, Minister Keyamo described the initiative as a strategic milestone in boosting diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. He noted that direct connectivity between Nigeria and Venezuela would enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
“This is a historic move that aligns with our agenda to open Nigeria’s airspace to more international destinations and expand global connectivity,” Keyamo stated.
To accelerate the process, the Minister announced the formation of a Joint Technical Committee comprising officials from the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The committee will oversee all regulatory requirements and ensure seamless entry for CONVIASA Airlines.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to fast-track discussions and operational readiness toward the earliest possible commencement of flights.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
