Nigeria and Russia have agreed to replace their 59-year-old aviation agreement, with negotiations expected to be completed within six months and a new deal signed in April 2027.
The Federal Government disclosed this on Friday, following a bilateral meeting between officials of both countries on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the agreement, which dates back to 1967, will be renegotiated to reflect developments in international aviation.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation to the meeting, where he held discussions with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.
The statement said both countries had agreed to conclude negotiations and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.
Nigeria and Russia have also constituted separate negotiating teams to begin work towards meeting the deadline.
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The existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement provides the framework for air transport relations between the two countries. Its proposed replacement is expected to update arrangements for aviation cooperation and create opportunities for improved connectivity.
However, the ministry did not disclose proposed flight routes, designated airlines or the frequency of potential services under the new agreement.
Both countries also discussed other areas of cooperation in aviation and related sectors, including opportunities to strengthen institutional ties and promote shared interests.
The ministry said further engagements would take place in the coming months as both sides work towards finalising the agreement.
Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Danjuma Ismaila, alongside officials from the ministry and the NCAA.
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