Nigeria and Jamaica are in talks to establish a direct flight route as part of efforts to enhance their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

This was revealed in a statement on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo met with Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, in Abuja to discuss strengthening air transport links between both nations.

Ambassador Downer emphasized the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Jamaica, underscoring the need to improve air connectivity.

“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially in air services,” he stated.

He also highlighted the increasing influence of Nigerian culture in Jamaica, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, as further justification for direct flights.

“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,” he added.

Keyamo welcomed the proposal, assuring that a committee would be set up to accelerate the process.

“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will establish a committee to expedite the process,” he said, adding that he is willing to visit Jamaica to finalize the agreement if necessary.

Downer noted that Jamaica currently lacks a national airline and relies on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. He suggested including Trinidad and Tobago in the agreement to address the air services gap and meet the growing travel demand between Nigeria and Jamaica.

Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Downer shared a personal connection, stating, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all.”