Nigeria and Jamaica are considering the launch of a direct flight route as both countries work to enhance their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
During a recent meeting in Abuja, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo welcomed Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and Consular Andre Hibbert. This meeting marked a significant step in advancing air service connections between the two nations.
Ambassador Downer emphasized the potential for strengthening diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Nigeria, particularly through improving the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement. He remarked, “I have been tasked by my country to review and improve diplomatic ties, especially concerning air services between our two nations.”
Highlighting the growing cultural exchange between the two countries, Downer noted the rising popularity of Nigerian music, especially Afrobeat, and Nollywood films in Jamaica. He stated that this cultural interest underscores the need for better air connectivity. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t have direct flights between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a growing demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” he said.
Minister Keyamo expressed enthusiasm for the ambassador’s proposals, confirming plans to move forward with the BASA arrangements. “We will form a committee to expedite the process and ensure a swift resolution,” Keyamo stated. He also expressed a willingness to visit Jamaica to finalize the agreement, if necessary.
Ambassador Downer shared that Jamaica currently lacks a national airline, relying on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. He proposed integrating the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air travel gap, citing the increasing demand for flights between Nigeria and Jamaica.
In an unexpected revelation, Downer shared his personal connection to Nigeria, expressing his belief that he may have ancestral ties to the country. “After spending four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria, I’ve discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home,” he said.
