In an update published by **The Guardian**, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has engaged in high-level talks with Saudi Arabian authorities in Riyadh. The mission aims to review the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding to ensure more favorable conditions for Nigerian carriers during the 2026 Hajj operations.
The negotiations focus on securing better slot allocations for Nigerian airlines and adjusting the sharing formula for transporting pilgrims between the two nations. Keyamo emphasized that the goal is to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the logistical hurdles that have plagued previous exercises, ensuring a smoother journey for the thousands of Nigerians expected to perform the pilgrimage.
**Vanguard** noted that “Keyamo’s visit is a strategic move to protect domestic airline interests,” while **ThisDay** reported that “Saudi authorities have expressed willingness to review the airlift sharing formula.”
**Echotitbits take:** Airlifting pilgrims is a massive logistical and financial undertaking. If Keyamo secures a better deal for local carriers, it won’t just help the pilgrims; it will provide a much-needed liquidity boost to Nigeria’s struggling domestic aviation industry.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/keyamo-saudis-transport-minister-plan-basa-review/, April 24, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
