Nigeria, Seychelles sign BASA on direct flights

Nigeria and the Republic of Seychelles have signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to operate direct flights. 

The Federal Executive Council had previously approved the memorandum on the signing and ratification of the BASA.

With the development, direct flights can now operate from Nigeria to and from Seychelles. 

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, using the platform of the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event held in Abuja, led officials of the ministry to sign the BASA while the Republic of Seychelles’ minister of Transport, Mr Anthony Derjacques, signed on behalf of his country. 

During the ceremony, the two ministers underscored the importance of the BASA as it will promote air services and connectivity between both countries, enhance business and promote tourism, a statement from Mr James Odaudu, the special assistant to the minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, said.

They both agreed that the signing would further promote the African Union Agenda 2063 and called on citizens of both countries to latch on to the opportunities of the BASA for their mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and initial Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Senegal, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Finland, Cameroon, Morocco, Suriname, India, Sudan and Uganda, according to the statement.

The ministry also had discussions on how to further implement the open skies agreement, signed 30 years ago, with the United States.