NIGERIA, RUSSIA SET SIX-MONTH DEADLINE FOR NEW AVIATION PACT

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Nigeria and Russia have commenced moves to replace their 59-year-old Bilateral Air Services Agreement with a new framework aimed at strengthening aviation cooperation and improving air transport connectivity between both countries.

The Federal Government said the two countries had agreed to conclude negotiations within six months and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, following a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

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The statement said both countries had resolved to renegotiate the agreement, which was first signed in 1967, to reflect current developments and emerging opportunities in the global aviation industry.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation at the meeting, where discussions were held with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.

The talks centred on modernising the existing agreement, which has provided the framework for air transport relations between the two countries for nearly six decades.

According to the ministry, both countries agreed to a six-month timeline for concluding negotiations and signing the new pact in April 2027.

It added that separate negotiating teams had been established by both sides to commence work immediately and ensure the deadline was met.

The proposed agreement is expected to introduce updated provisions for bilateral air transport operations while creating opportunities for improved connectivity, stronger institutional partnerships and mutually beneficial cooperation between the aviation sectors of both countries.

However, the ministry did not disclose specific flight routes, designated airlines or the proposed frequency of operations under the new arrangement.

Beyond the renegotiation of the aviation agreement, the two countries also explored other areas of collaboration within the aviation industry and related sectors.

The statement noted that both delegations expressed readiness to strengthen institutional relationships and pursue areas of mutual interest, with further engagements expected in the coming months.

Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila.

Other participants included directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.