By Nathaniel Irobi
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has assured the Lufthansa Group of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment as the German airline explores expanded operations in Nigeria.
The Minister gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with a Lufthansa delegation in his Abuja office. The delegation was led by Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager of Aeropolitical Relations and Traffic Rights, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive of Lufthansa Technik Aero Alzey.
Discussions at the parley focused on the review and ratification of the 2010 Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Germany, as well as the German aviation group’s plans to further deepen its footprint in the country.
Dietzen-Zill told the Minister that the existing BASA, signed 16 years ago, is due for an update to reflect current realities in aviation relations between both countries.
“The BASA is due for ratification and updating to reflect the current realities of the aviation relationship between both countries,” she said.
She disclosed that the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the agreement with a view to concluding its revision and eventual ratification.
Commending the Minister on ongoing sector reforms, Dietzen-Zill specifically lauded Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, describing the move as a game-changer for investor confidence.
“Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, along with other ongoing reforms, are important steps in strengthening confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and recognising the country’s strategic position within the global aviation industry,” she stated.
In a fresh development, the delegation informed the Minister of Lufthansa Group’s plans to introduce Eurowings, another carrier under its stable, into the Nigerian market.
Dietzen-Zill explained that operations are expected to commence next year, with the airline deploying Boeing 737-series aircraft to enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
Spear News Nigeria confirms that the Lufthansa Group has allocated its entire order of 40 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Eurowings, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue through 2032.
The B737-8 offers a capacity of 189 passengers, a 39-seat increase over the A319 models currently in operation, with extended range capabilities suited for longer medium-haul destinations. The fleet modernisation, valued at approximately $5 billion at catalogue prices, marks Eurowings’ first operation of Boeing aircraft since 2016.
In his response, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Lufthansa’s longstanding presence and robust operations in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, promotes connectivity, and encourages international airlines to deepen their operations.
“We remain open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector,” Keyamo said.
The Minister further stressed that the administration is committed to policies that enhance investor confidence, strengthen bilateral aviation relationships, and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
“I am ready to support the airline within the ambit of my mandate,” he assured the delegation.
Thursday’s engagement comes amid broader sector reforms by the Federal Government to attract foreign investment. Nigeria’s implementation of the Cape Town Convention has significantly improved investor confidence, with the country’s compliance score now at 75.5 per cent following the operationalisation of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization.
The government is also establishing a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company in partnership with the African Development Bank, a project expected to unlock over $1 billion in fleet financing capacity for local carriers.
The Lufthansa Group has maintained a longstanding presence in Nigeria and remains one of the key international carriers operating in the country. The introduction of Eurowings is expected to deepen competition and provide more options for travellers on the Nigeria-Germany route.
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