ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has met with the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Lincoln Downer, and the his Consular, His Excellency Andre Hibbert, for a significant diplomatic engagement.

A statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications disclosed on Wednesday.

Ambassador Downer, in his address, emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing bilateral relations, including reviewing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” said Ambassador Downer.

A key area of focus during the meeting was the matter of air travel and connectivity.

The Ambassador disclosed that Jamaica currently lacked a national carrier, relying on neighboring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.

He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.

The Jamaican Ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are trending in Jamaica. This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.

He expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria and that Nigerian could be his ancestral home.

“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Ambassador Downer added.

The aviation Minister, in his response, welcomed the Ambassador’s proposals and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.

“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process.”

He further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, stating that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalise and sign the BASA agreement in person.

This meeting marks a significant step towards reinforcing the bilateral ties between Jamaica and Nigeria and sets the stage for future collaboration in the aviation, trade, and cultural sectors.