Kigali, 26 March 2018: The Government of Rwanda and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two Countries. The deal was made between Rwandan Minister of State in Charge of Transport, Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye and the Nigerian Minister of State in Charge of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Abubakar Sirika.

This agreement follows the MoU signed in 2013 in Kigali that allowed airlines from designated countries to operate international air services on a provisional basis pending the signature of the BASA. Initially, Lagos was the only entry point provided but later in 2017, Nigeria granted Abuja as a second entry point to RwandAir.

With the provision of fifth freedom, which is reciprocal, the interconnectivity between the two countries will facilitate the private sectors of both countries to realize and tap into the economic and social benefits.

“The signing of the BASA with Federal Republic of Nigeria and opening of more routes by RwandAir, will continue to provide Rwanda’s private sector with enormous opportunities in an economically vibrant and large market of more than 190 million people,” said Minister of Sate Uwihanganye, adding that “the agreement allows Rwandair, the nation carrier to operate to all Nigeria’s airports and carry passengers from there to any other airport in African countries.”

RwandAir currently flies to Lagos and is expected to start flights to Abuja in May 2018.

Sen. Abubakar Sirika emphasized that the agreement is in line with easing integration through the Single African Air Transport Market as part of the Africa’s 2063 Agenda. “Both countries will benefit from the agreement both in cultural industries and business. Transportation, especially air transport will become easy and enhanced; it will connect people, culture and the market”, he said.

Over the years, the growing bilateral relations between Rwanda and Nigeria, has seen the two countries develop cooperation on several fronts, like the December 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation in aviation.

Currently, Rwanda has 71 Bilateral Air Service Agreements within and outside Africa.