Keyamo orders fast-track of Nigeria–Belgium Air services agreement

The Federal Government has directed the immediate conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Belgium, in a move aimed at paving the way for direct air connectivity between both countries.

The directive was issued by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a farewell visit by Pieter Leenknegt, the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Keyamo instructed officials of the ministry to expedite all outstanding processes to ensure the agreement is signed before the ambassador concludes his diplomatic assignment on August 5, 2026.

During the meeting, Leenknegt expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Belgium and revisited discussions on the proposed BASA, which was first raised during an earlier meeting with the minister this year.

He explained that one of the outstanding issues in the negotiations relates to the European Union ownership clause affecting Belgian airlines, noting that Belgium no longer has a national airline with a Belgian majority shareholder.

According to the ambassador, the agreement would therefore require provisions that reflect the realities of the European aviation framework while remaining beneficial to both countries.

Leenknegt recalled previous engagements with officials of the ministry, during which he was informed that the BASA process could be concluded by October. However, he sought clarification on the timeline, stressing the economic and commercial benefits that direct flights between Nigeria and Belgium would bring.

He said direct air services between Lagos or Abuja and Brussels would significantly boost trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, noting that many Nigerian travellers currently transit through neighbouring countries, including Cotonou, to access flights to the Belgian capital despite Nigeria’s large passenger market.

Describing the proposed air services agreement as “low-hanging fruit” capable of deepening bilateral relations, the ambassador expressed hope that it could be concluded before the end of his tenure, describing it as a fitting conclusion to his diplomatic service in Nigeria.

Responding, Keyamo said it was surprising that direct flights between Nigeria and Brussels had yet to materialise despite the size of Nigeria’s economy, population and business ties 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 noted that Brussels is not only an important European destination but also a major transit hub linking passengers to several cities across the continent, making the proposed agreement strategically important for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The minister subsequently directed the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry to immediately provide an update on the status of the BASA negotiations and ensure that all necessary administrative procedures are accelerated.

He further instructed that all outstanding issues be resolved urgently to enable the agreement to be signed on or before Ambassador Leenknegt’s departure from Nigeria in two weeks.

According to Keyamo, the agreement would enhance air connectivity, attract investment, facilitate tourism and strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Belgium.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding aviation cooperation and expressing optimism that direct flights between Nigeria and Belgium would soon become a reality.