Nigeria has intensified efforts to boost its international aviation reputation, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a high-level delegation to the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) 2025 forum in the Dominican Republic.
The annual event, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is regarded as the world’s biggest platform for bilateral and multilateral air service negotiations. This year’s edition runs from November 10–14 and brings together global aviation regulators, aircraft lessors, airline executives, and government representatives.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Nigeria’s participation is aimed at securing new partnerships, strengthening international agreements, and attracting more investment into the country’s aviation sector.
Focus on Dry-Lease Aircraft and Bilateral Agreements
The delegation entered negotiations with aircraft leasing firms and aviation authorities from several countries, taking advantage of renewed confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The ministry highlighted that Nigeria recently began benefitting from the Cape Town Convention, which enhances the confidence of investors and lessors. The first dry-leased aircraft under the arrangement arrived in Nigeria last week.
Keyamo noted that Nigeria is currently in a repositioning phase within the global aviation space.
“Nigeria’s presence here shows our commitment to becoming a serious global aviation player. We are forging sustainable partnerships that open new opportunities for our airlines and support trade and tourism,” the minister said.
Nigeria is also reviewing existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) and signing new Memoranda of Understanding to expand flight connectivity and market access for Nigerian carriers.
Highlights of Negotiations
Some of the key engagements held by the Nigerian delegation include:
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Nigeria–South Africa: South Africa requested fifth-freedom traffic rights and sought approval for Airlink to join South African Airways in operating the Cape Town–Lagos route.
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Nigeria–Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark): Parties agreed to exchange air service agreement documents for onward review.
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Nigeria–Hong Kong and Tanzania: Discussions focused on strengthening existing BASAs to increase connectivity and attract aviation investments.
Nigeria’s Growing Aviation Profile
Industry experts say the renewed trust from international lessors and partners stems from ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s aviation framework. Operators are increasingly securing dry-leased aircraft — an indication of improved investor confidence.
The Nigerian delegation included:
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Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
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Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Air Transport Management
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Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal, Ministry of Aviation
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Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA
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Senior executives from Air Peace and Arik Air.
The opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Rodolfo Corona, and outgoing ICAO Council President, Salvatore Sciacchitano, who both emphasized global collaboration, sustainability, and fair growth in aviation.
Nigeria is expected to conclude additional leasing deals and secure more air routes as negotiations continue throughout the ICAN 2025 sessions.
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