NIGERIA, JAMAICA TO LAUNCH DIRECT FLIGHT SERVICE

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Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of a direct flight route as they enhance their Bilateral Air Service Agreement.

Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, issued a statement on Wednesday revealing this development.

During the discussions, Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and Consular Andre Hibbert were welcomed at the office of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo in Abuja.

Ambassador Downer highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic ties between the two nations.

He emphasized the significance of strengthening and advancing bilateral ties, which includes examining the current Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

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

The envoy from Jamaica also discussed the rising popularity of Nigerian culture in Jamaica, especially Afrobeat music and Nollywood movies.

He pointed out that this cultural interaction serves as another evidence of the necessity for improved aviation and diplomatic ties.

“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,” Downer added.

In his reply, Keyamo praised the ambassador’s suggestions and stated that he was excited to move forward.

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

He also promised to go to Jamaica if needed, saying he would be open to going there to personally complete and sign the BASA deal.

Downer revealed that Jamaica does not currently have a national airline and must rely on neighboring Trinidad and Tobago for air transportation.

He highlighted the growing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica and suggested merging the BASA between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to fill the air services gap.

In addition to expressing his sincere gratitude for Nigeria, Downer shared a fascinating finding from his four months serving as Jamaica’s ambassador to Nigeria.

“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all,” said the ambassador