The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada today formalized a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).
The signing ceremony was held at the office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in Abuja.
The agreement was signed by representatives of both nations, with the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria officially endorsing the document on behalf of the Australian government. This agreement marks a pivotal step in strengthening aviation ties between Nigeria and Australia.
The BASA is designed to enhance bilateral aviation relations by facilitating direct flights between the two countries and promoting the mutual recognition of aviation safety certifications and approvals.
This will streamline regulatory processes for aircraft and related products, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering smoother trade and operational efficiency in the aviation sector.
A key objective of BASAs is to eliminate redundant evaluation processes and enable civil aviation authorities to mutually certify aeronautical products. This not only supports the trade of aircraft and related equipment but also ensures the maintenance of the highest aviation safety standards globally.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, emphasised that the signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone.
He expressed his belief that the agreement should have been established much earlier, given the substantial number of Nigerians traveling to and from Canada annually.
The Minister highlighted, Today’s agreement strengthens our collaborative efforts in the realm of international aviation through a bilateral agreement. Starting with a code-sharing arrangement is a strategic move. We have already certified our local airlines as capable of operating on the Canada route, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Also addressing journalists at event, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pasquale Salvaggio, said, “The relationship between Nigeria and Canada has seen remarkable growth across various sectors, including business, science, arts, sports, and beyond.”
He further noted, “Nigeria stands as Canada’s foremost trading partner on the African continent. It is indeed a positive step to introduce a single-ticket system that facilitates hassle-free travel between Nigeria and Canada, particularly for business purposes.”
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