Nigeria and Venezuela have moved to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relations with plans to establish direct flights between the two nations, marking 60 years of bilateral ties.
According to a statement by Special Assistant on Media and Research to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Emameh Gabriel, the agreement was discussed during a meeting on Monday between Venezuela’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla, and Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in Abuja.
Both OPEC member states reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation beyond the energy sector. Ambassador Padilla highlighted the historical and economic ties between the two countries, noting that Venezuela is prepared to operationalise a 2022 agreement for direct flights from Caracas to Nigeria.
“Our government has been working diligently, and we are ready to commence direct flights to either Abuja or Lagos,” Padilla said. “As we celebrate sixty years of diplomatic relations, this initiative is a fitting milestone.”
Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA, has completed preparations and awaits approval from Nigerian authorities to begin operations.
In response, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo expressed optimism about the proposal, stating that it would ease travel between Africa and South America. He announced the formation of a joint committee with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to facilitate the approval process.
Currently, travellers between Nigeria and Venezuela face lengthy layovers via third-country hubs. A direct flight would reduce travel time to approximately seven hours, boosting trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement.
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