The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, met with members of the British Airways management team in Nigeria, led by Alan Campbell and Moran Birger, to discuss key issues aimed at strengthening cooperation between the airline and Nigeria’s aviation sector. The meeting, held in Abuja, provided an opportunity for both parties to explore ways to enhance collaboration, improve passenger experience, and ensure uninterrupted operations during the ongoing upgrades at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The British Airways delegation reaffirmed the airline’s 90-year partnership with Nigeria and shared plans to celebrate this milestone in 2026, highlighting the deep historical and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The team also discussed updates to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to ensure mutual growth, fair competition, and the continuous expansion of opportunities within the sector.
Keyamo commended British Airways for its enduring service to Nigerian travelers and expressed the Federal Government’s resolve to create a conducive environment for both local and international airlines to thrive. The meeting centered on strengthening Nigeria-UK air connectivity, with both sides reiterating their commitment to deepening cooperation and exploring opportunities for growth.
The discussion on passenger experience and BASA growth is significant, given the ongoing upgrades at the MMIA and the potential for increased air travel between Nigeria and the UK. The Nigerian government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for airlines to operate are also noteworthy, as this could lead to improved services and increased connectivity for travelers.
The meeting between Keyamo and the British Airways management team is a positive step towards strengthening cooperation between the airline and Nigeria’s aviation sector. As the airline prepares to celebrate its 90-year partnership with Nigeria, it is likely that we will see increased collaboration and investment in the sector, leading to improved services and increased connectivity for travelers. With the updates to the BASA and the commitment to deepening Nigeria-UK air connectivity, the future of air travel between the two countries looks promising.