Minister Keyamo Engages Global Aviation Chiefs at ICAO Summit, Negotiates New Routes and Leasing Deals to Boost Nigeria’s Hub Status

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has led Nigeria’s delegation to the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event 2025 in the Dominican Republic, actively engaging global aviation chiefs and aircraft lessors in a drive to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s profile as a major continental hub.

The annual ICAN meeting, convened by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is the world’s largest platform for securing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs). The Minister’s presence, according to a statement today, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Media, Tunde Moshood, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to asserting its influence in global aviation diplomacy.

The Nigerian delegation successfully initiated and advanced several key discussions aimed at expanding market access for local carriers and attracting foreign investment. Key among the negotiations were:

• South Africa’s Request: A major discussion with South Africa saw the country request approval for a second designated flag carrier, Airlink, to operate the Cape Town-Lagos route, in addition to South African Airways.
• Northern European Connectivity: Delegations from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark agreed to exchange Air Service Agreement documents, paving the way for potential new routes connecting Nigeria to the Scandinavian region.
• Strengthening Existing Ties: Talks were also focused on bolstering existing BASAs with Hong Kong and Tanzania to further boost connectivity and investment opportunities.

Assurance on Leasing and Investment

Keyamo’s visit was also aimed at assuring global stakeholders of Nigeria’s stable investment climate, particularly in aircraft leasing. This confidence boost comes after the recent arrival of the first dry-leased aircraft in Nigeria in nearly two decades a milestone achieved following the country’s ratification and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, which provides crucial security guarantees for lessors.

“Nigeria’s participation in ICAN2025 demonstrates our dedication to positioning our nation as a serious global player in aviation,” Keyamo was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the meeting. “We are building sustainable relationships that open new frontiers for our airlines and create pathways for mutual prosperity by leveraging aviation as a driver of trade, tourism, and economic growth.”

The Minister was accompanied by a high-powered team including the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, and top executives from Nigerian airlines, signifying a united front in the push for global aviation competitiveness.