April 15, (THEWILL) – As part of Nigeria’s growing push to establish strategic aviation links across continents, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has met with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, in a historic diplomatic engagement aimed at boosting air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
The meeting, which followed the recent signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago, marked another milestone in Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy drive.
Keyamo, who made a stopover in Bridgetown on a working visit, was warmly received by Prime Minister Mottley.
The two leaders discussed the need to strengthen aviation and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Barbados, while reaffirming a shared vision of bridging the Africa-Caribbean gap through direct air links.
In high-level bilateral talks with members of the Barbadian Cabinet, Keyamo stressed the importance of updating the existing BASA between both countries.
He said enhanced connectivity would support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria as a major aviation hub for intercontinental travel.
“The future of global travel lies in new partnerships. Strengthening ties with the Caribbean is a strategic step toward realising Nigeria’s ambition as the aviation gateway into Africa,” Keyamo stated.
As a follow-up, the Minister extended a formal invitation to the Government of Barbados for further talks in Abuja—a proposal Prime Minister Mottley accepted.
The Barbados visit, according to observers, underscores Nigeria’s re-energised approach to foreign aviation policy and its efforts to secure a larger role in global air transportation networks.
Meanwhile, Keyamo also received a delegation from the Tanzanian High Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, April 9.
The delegation, led by Head of Chancery Mrs. Judica Elfadhili Nagunwa, expressed interest in launching direct flights between Tanzania and Nigeria through Air Tanzania.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the Minister, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
In his response, Keyamo welcomed the proposal and assured the delegation of Nigeria’s readiness to provide regulatory support in line with established frameworks.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding air routes within Africa and fostering stronger ties among African nations.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagements to fast-track the approval and operational processes necessary for the proposed route.
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.
