Nigeria and Jamaica are in talks to offer direct flights. The Nigerian airline ‘Air Peace’ launched the first direct chartered flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica in 2020. The Jamaican Ambassador said that there is a growing interest in Afrobeats and Nollywood films in Jamaica.
Reportedly, both the countries Nigeria and Jamaica are ready to explore the possibility of a direct flight route as they strengthen the Bilateral Air Service Agreement. It was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development – Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday.
The Aviation Minister – Festus Keyamo welcomed the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria – Lincoln Downer and his Consular – Andre Hibbert to his office in Abuja for this engagement. Downer further emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Ambassador Lincoln Downer highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing the bilateral relations, including the reviewing of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement. He also explained that he has been issued a task by his country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning the air services.
The Jamaican Ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films that are trending in Jamaica. It is a cultural exchange that noted further reinforces needed for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.
However, there is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. The Nigerians love Jamaica and there is an increase in demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria, added Downer.
In his response, Aviation Minister Keyamo welcomed the proposals by the ambassador and expressed his eagerness to take the nest steps. He said, “I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process.”
Festus Keyamo further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, and stated that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement in person.
Notably, Downer disclosed that currently Jamaica lacks a national carrier and is relying on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport. He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Downer further expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria. Since then, he has discovered that Nigeria might be his ancestral home after all.