Nigeria is set to revisit its bilateral air service agreements (BASA) with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark during the 2025 International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen global aviation partnerships.
Leading the Nigerian delegation, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is attending the ICAN2025 meeting in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic.
Organised annually by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the event provides a forum for both bilateral and multilateral negotiations on air services.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, said Nigeria’s presence at ICAN2025 highlights the country’s commitment to aviation growth, economic integration, and global competitiveness.
“The ICAN2025 event provides a unique global platform for countries to conduct bilateral and multilateral negotiations on Air Service Agreements (ASAs) aimed at enhancing air connectivity, fostering trade, tourism, and investment, and promoting the sustainable growth of the global aviation industry,” Moshood said.
He noted that the Nigerian delegation has actively participated in several BASA review meetings and memoranda of understanding (MoU) discussions on the sidelines of the event.
The statement added that discussions with South Africa centred on the country’s request for fifth-freedom traffic rights and an additional designation for another carrier to operate the Cape Town-Lagos route alongside South African Airways.
“A joint session with representatives from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark led to mutual agreement to exchange the air service agreement documents for further review and deliberation,” the statement said.
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“Discussions also focused on reviewing existing BASAs to enhance connectivity and promote mutually beneficial aviation relationships. Negotiations are ongoing, with the Nigerian delegation divided into multiple working groups to handle various bilateral and multilateral engagements efficiently.”
Speaking at the event, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to deepening international aviation cooperation.
He said the country’s active engagement at ICAN2025 reflects the government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint, improving market access for domestic carriers, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships across continents.
Moshood also highlighted that the opening ceremony included the announcement of Equatorial Guinea as the next host of ICAN.
The Nigerian delegation includes Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry; Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal Services at the ministry; and Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA.
Key members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are also part of the team, including Toyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, and Charles Johnson Ararume, Chief Financial Officer of Arik Air.
