Keyamo Pushes For Quick Conclusion Of Nigerian-Belgium Aviation Agreement

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has ordered the swift completion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Belgium, directing that the deal be finalized and signed before Belgium’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, leaves office.

Keyamo issued the directive in Abuja while hosting Ambassador Leenknegt on a farewell visit ahead of his departure from Nigeria on August 5, 2026.
Their discussions centred on the long-delayed BASA, which is expected to facilitate direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Belgium.

During the meeting, Ambassador Leenknegt expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for the strong diplomatic ties maintained throughout his tenure and revisited conversations on the proposed agreement, which had previously been discussed with the minister earlier this year.

The ambassador explained that the major obstacle to concluding the agreement has been the European Union’s airline ownership regulations.

Since Belgium no longer has a national airline with majority Belgian ownership, he said the BASA must reflect the EU’saviation framework while safeguarding the interests of both countries.

Leenknegt recalled that officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had earlier indicated that the agreement might not be completed until October. However, he emphasized the importance of accelerating the process, noting that direct air links between Nigeria and Belgium would significantly boost trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchanges.

He pointed out that many Nigerian travelers currently connect to Brussels through neighboring countries, particularly Cotonou in the Republic of Benin, despite Nigeria’s strong passenger demand.

Describing the agreement as he was surprised that Nigeria and Belgium had yet to establish direct flights, considering Nigeria’s large population, thriving economy, and an easy opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations; the ambassador expressed hope that it could be concluded before the end of his diplomatic mission.

In response, Keyamo said he was surprised that Nigeria and Belgium had yet to establish direct flights, considering Nigeria’s large population, thriving economy, and extensive commercial ties with Belgium.

He stressed that Brussels serves as a key European destination and an important transit hub, making the agreement strategically beneficial for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

To speed up the process, the minister instructed the Director of Air Transport Management to provide an immediate update on the negotiations and ensure that all pending administrative requirements are completed without delay.

Keyamo further directed that every outstanding issue be resolved promptly so the BASA can be signed before Ambassador Leenknegt departs Nigeria in two weeks.

He described the agreement as a major step toward improving air connectivity, encouraging investment, expanding tourism, and strengthening the long-standing diplomatic and economic partnership between Nigeria and Belgium.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing aviation cooperation and expressing confidence that direct flights between the two countries would soon become a reality.