Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago sign BASA to boost trade, tourism

The Federal Government and Trinidad and Tobago have signed Bilateral Air Service Agreement to boost trade, tourism and air connectivity.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and his counterpart, the Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan signed the agreement on behalf of both countries at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago.

The agreement, according to a statement by the Media Aide to the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood marks the official commencement of direct air links between both nations.

According to a statement, the agreement is the culmination of diplomatic and technical conversations that began during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Keyamo stated: “Today’s signing not only fulfills a long-standing bilateral vision initiated during President Obasanjo’s time but also represents our commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint. This agreement will enhance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.”

The agreement grants designated airlines from both countries the rights to operate passenger and cargo flights, establish commercial agreements, and access the other’s territory under agreed terms.

It is expected to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.

Sinanan expressed optimism about the potential of the agreement to boost cooperation and expand aviation opportunities for Caribbean and African carriers.

The agreement adds to Nigeria’s growing list of strategic international aviation agreements and reinforces President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving air connectivity, promoting regional integration, and strengthening diplomatic relations through aviation diplomacy.