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The two countries are targeting the last week of November or the first week of December 2026 for the signing in Kingston, Jamaica.
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Nigeria’s Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has completed its legal review of the agreement.
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Aviation officials have been directed to finalise outstanding documentation ahead of the proposed endorsement.
November 12, (THEWILL) – Nigeria and Jamaica are close to concluding a reviewed Bilateral Air Services Agreement, with both countries working towards signing the document in Kingston, Jamaica, either in the last week of November or the first week of December 2026.
The development followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, where they discussed the finalisation of the agreement.
According to a statement signed on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, the agreement has undergone legal examination by Nigeria’s Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and has been returned to the aviation authorities.
During the meeting, Downer expressed satisfaction with the progress made, saying both countries had reached an advanced stage and were working towards fixing a date for the formal endorsement.
He said the Jamaican government had already shared its legally reviewed version of the agreement with Nigerian officials and was awaiting feedback.
“So, we are pleased now that we’re at the point where we can sign. We shared the legally reviewed text with your team, so I haven’t heard from them. That’s what I wanted to know today, where we stand, so that we can then set the date. You can give us an update?” Downer said.
Legal review completed, final checks ongoing
Keyamo requested an update on the status of the document and directed officials to make the relevant file available for his review.
He was informed that the agreement had been examined by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and returned, bringing the process close to completion.
The minister subsequently directed that a final copy be made available to the Jamaican High Commissioner for another review and proofreading to ensure that both countries were satisfied with its provisions before signing.
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Both parties said they were working towards agreeing on a mutually convenient date for the formal endorsement in Kingston.
Keyamo also directed relevant officials to expedite the outstanding documentation ahead of the proposed signing.
Agreement to strengthen air connectivity
The reviewed agreement is expected to provide a framework for closer aviation cooperation, allowing airlines from both countries to explore opportunities for improved connectivity and expanded air services.
It is also expected to support increased travel, tourism and economic exchanges between Nigeria and Jamaica.
The proposed signing forms part of efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral aviation relations and establish a framework for greater cooperation in the sector.
However, the agreement has not yet been formally signed, as both sides are completing the final review and documentation process ahead of the proposed dates.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
