The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has backed the review and ratification of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Germany as the Lufthansa Group announced plans to expand its operations in the Nigerian market.
Tunde Moshood, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications who made this known in a press release said Keyamo gave the assurance on 27th August, 2026 when he received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group in his office in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening aviation relations between Nigeria and Germany, reviewing the existing BASA signed in 2010, and plans by the German aviation group to deepen its presence in Nigeria.
The Lufthansa delegation included Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations and Traffic Rights at Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive at Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey.
Dietzen-Zill said the existing Nigeria-Germany BASA was due for ratification and updating to reflect current realities in the aviation relationship between both countries.
She commended the Federal Government for reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly the country’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
According to her, the reforms were helping to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and reinforce the country’s strategic position in the global aviation industry.
She said the Lufthansa Group was interested in a stronger and more modern aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany, adding that the German Ministry of Transport was reviewing the existing agreement with a view to revising and eventually ratifying it.
The delegation also disclosed plans by the Lufthansa Group to introduce Eurowings, another carrier within the group, into the Nigerian market next year.
The airline is expected to operate Boeing 737-series aircraft, a development that could further expand air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The meeting also explored broader areas of cooperation and measures aimed at creating a more conducive environment for sustained investment and airline operations in Nigeria.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Lufthansa’s longstanding presence and operations in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, promotes connectivity and encourages international airlines to deepen their operations in the country.
The minister assured the Lufthansa representatives of his readiness to support the airline within the limits of his mandate, noting that the ministry remained open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the growth of the sector.
Keyamo added that the Federal Government was committed to policies that would enhance investor confidence, strengthen bilateral aviation relationships and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
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