Nigeria and Jamaica are in talks to establish a direct flight route between both nations, a move aimed at boosting connectivity and enhancing diplomatic relations.
Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the discussions took place during a diplomatic meeting in Abuja.
The meeting brought together Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Jamaican ambassador to Nigeria Lincoln Downer, and his consular, Andre Hibbert.
According to Moshood, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on air travel and connectivity.
Strengthening Air Travel Links
During the meeting, Ambassador Downer expressed his strong personal connection to Nigeria, stating, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”
He underscored the importance of enhanced diplomatic engagement and noted that his government had tasked him with improving Jamaica-Nigeria relations, especially in air services.
Downer further disclosed that Jamaica currently does not have a national airline and relies on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
As a solution, he suggested integrating Jamaica’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with that of Trinidad and Tobago to bridge the existing air travel gap.
He highlighted the increasing demand for direct flights between Nigeria and Jamaica, pointing to a growing interest in travel between both countries.
Cultural Exchange as a Driving Force
Beyond aviation, cultural exchange was a significant aspect of the discussion. The ambassador noted the widespread influence of Nigerian Afrobeat music and Nollywood films in Jamaica.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer added.
Nigeria’s Commitment to the BASA Agreement
In response, Minister Keyamo welcomed the proposals and expressed optimism about fast-tracking the agreement.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” Keyamo stated.
He also assured the delegation of his willingness to visit Jamaica if necessary to finalize and sign the BASA agreement personally.
Moshood emphasized that the meeting marks a crucial step in deepening Nigeria-Jamaica relations and lays the foundation for further cooperation in aviation, trade, and cultural exchange.
