…lauds minister on securing Lagos to London route under BASA

By Olayinka Ajayi

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Space Management, Festus Keyamo, to enact the Fly Nigeria Act to strengthen the aviation industry.

Speaking in a media chat on Friday, Agbakoba commended the Aviation Minister for his breakthrough in securing the lucrative Lagos-London route under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) for Air Peace.

He said the absence of aviation cabotage is a fundamental factor contributing to the failure of Nigerian airlines.

Agbakoba said, “Proposals such as the Fly Nigeria Bill, the Aviation Corporate Governance Code, and the domestication of international conventions have been suggested to address these challenges.

“We have been working on these issues for 15 years, advising several ministers, with the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, being the most responsive.

“The Fly Nigeria Act, modeled on the Fly America Act, aims to apply public funds for air travel exclusively to national carriers, generating passenger traffic and supporting their international growth.

“These reforms will free the government from direct management of airports, create jobs, drive revenue, and allow for a limited government focused on policy while enabling private sector growth.”

Agbakoba added that the recent successes of Air Peace, with its direct flights to London, and the Dangote Group, with its world-class refinery, have brought down prices and reduced pressure on foreign exchange. 

He said, “These achievements highlight the potential of private sector-driven growth in Nigeria.

“We are committed to working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to facilitate the passage and implementation of comprehensive aviation sector reforms, unlocking the industry’s potential, and positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global aviation market.”