Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (R) in a handshake with Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan (L), after signing the BASA
Photo credit: Trinidad Guardian
A historic milestone was reached on April 14 at Piarco International Airport’s VIP Lounge in Trinidad and Tobago, where Nigeria and the twin Caribbean islands signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement, which is the result of negotiations that commenced nearly two decades ago under former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, marks a transformative step in connecting West Africa with the Caribbean.
In his remarks, posted on his X account, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said “In our continued effort to open up the South American and Caribbean routes to Nigeria, earlier today at the VIP Lounge of the Pairco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago, I signed the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago that has been in limbo for more than two decades when negotiations began. Significantly, this is the FIRST of any such agreement with any African Country.
Simultaneously, Nigeria is advancing discussions for a similar BASA with Jamaica, a deal still under review but poised to further deepen economic and cultural ties. These developments signal a broader ambition to foster Afro-Caribbean collaboration, with direct flights set to explore trade, tourism, investment, and job creation opportunities. However, challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector and regional logistics could test the pace of progress.
The Bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago, signed by Keyamo and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, allows designated airlines from both nations to operate passenger and cargo flights.
The move to open up the trans-Atlantic route is even more important now that the Global South needs to start increasing its economic and social cooperation because of recent global trends, an economic analyst emphasised.
By slashing travel time from over 24 hours with layovers to a streamlined 7-8 hours, the agreement dismantles a significant barrier to connectivity. The deal is expected to boost economic activity by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean hub with a robust oil and gas sector.
The economic implications are profound. Trade, a cornerstone of the agreement, stands to benefit from reduced transport costs and faster delivery times. Nigeria, with non-oil exports valued at $4.8 billion in 2023, can tap into Trinidad’s market, particularly its oil and gas expertise, while Trinidadian businesses gain access to Nigeria’s 230 million-strong consumer base.
Tourism, another key driver, is primed for growth, as Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage could attract Caribbean visitors, while Trinidad’s world-famous Carnival and pristine beaches would become a major attraction for Nigerian tourists. In 2022, tourism contributed 3.6% to Nigeria’s GDP, and direct flights could push this figure higher by making travel more accessible, official estimates project.
Job creation is another anticipated outcome. Each new flight route typically generates hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, from pilots and cabin crew to ground staff and tourism operators. The agreement also opens doors for investment, with Trinidad’s energy sector expertise potentially aligning with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy into tech, agriculture, and renewables. Beyond economics, the BASA fosters cultural exchange, strengthening the historical ties between African and Caribbean communities rooted in shared histories of resilience and creativity.
In spite of the potentials, challenges loom. Nigeria’s aviation sector faces high operational costs, including fuel prices and maintenance, which could deter airlines from fully capitalising on the new routes. Additionally, demand for direct flights must be sustained to ensure profitability. Trinidad and Tobago, while economically stable, has a smaller market, which may limit initial trade volumes. Pundits say these limitations mean both nations will need to align policies and marketing efforts to maximise the BASA’s potential.
Nigeria has commenced negotiations with Jamaica on a similar agreement, though the deal remains under negotiation. The prospect of direct flights between Lagos and Kingston has raised hopes of heightened economic activities beween both countries, addressing unique opportunities. Jamaica, a cultural powerhouse known for reggae, athletics, and tourism, offers a compelling partner for Nigeria, Africa’s economic giant.
The economic implications of a Nigeria-Jamaica BASA are strikingly similar to those of the Trinidad deal but come with distinct nuances. Jamaica offers a larger market and access to the most diversified economy and main cultural hub of the Caribbean.
Trade could flourish as direct flights eliminate the need for costly layovers, enabling Nigerian businesses to export agricultural products, fashion, and entertainment content like Nollywood films to Jamaica, a public commentator said. Conversely, Jamaica’s spices, rum, and cultural exports could find a ready market in Nigeria. In 2023, Nigeria’s non-oil exports showed resilience despite global economic headwinds, and a Caribbean foothold could further diversify its trade portfolio.
Tourism, a major earner for Jamaica’s economy, stands to gain significantly. Nigerians, drawn to events like Reggae Sumfest or Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, could boost visitor numbers, while Jamaicans might explore Nigeria’s Durbar festivals or Calabar Carnival.
While the results will not be immediate, tourism entrepreneurs believe the ripple effects would stimulate hotels, restaurants, and transport services in both nations. Job creation, as with the Trinidad BASA, would span aviation, hospitality, and logistics, providing an employment lifeline to youth in both countries, where unemployment remains a concern.
Investment and cultural exchange are also on the horizon. Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, often dubbed the “Silicon Savannah,” could attract Jamaican entrepreneurs, while Jamaica’s renewable energy initiatives might attract Nigerian partnerships. Culturally, the synergy between Nigeria’s Afrobeat and Jamaica’s reggae could spur greater collaborations in music, film, and fashion, amplifying both nations’ global influence and further strengthening historical links.
However, the Jamaica deal faces hurdles. Unlike Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica lacks a national carrier, relying heavily on regional airlines like Caribbean Airlines, based in Trinidad. This dependency could complicate reciprocal flight arrangements, a cornerstone of such agreements. Nigeria, too, struggles with a limited number of strong airlines capable of operating long-haul routes.
Previous bilateral agreements, such as those with wealthier nations, have sometimes favoured foreign carriers, leaving Nigerian airlines at a disadvantage. Ensuring mutual benefit will require careful negotiation and possibly innovative solutions, like code-sharing agreements or support for Nigerian carriers to scale up.
Broader Implications: An Afro-Caribbean Renaissance?
Together, the Trinidad and Tobago BASA and the potential Jamaica deal demonstrates Nigeria’s ambition to lead an Afro-Caribbean economic renaissance, some observers of Nigeria’s relations with the Caribbean have said.
These agreements align with the broader goals of South-South cooperation, emphasising trade, investment, and cultural exchange among Global South nations. By connecting West Africa with the Caribbean, Nigeria is positioning itself as a gateway for African businesses to access new markets while inviting Caribbean expertise into its economy.
The agreements also reflect a growing recognition of shared histories and futures. African and Caribbean nations, bound by the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, are now forging pathways to mutual prosperity. Direct flights symbolise more than convenience. They represent a reclaiming of agency, enabling both regions to bypass traditional Western hubs and define their own economic narratives.
The road ahead is, however, not without obstacles. Nigeria’s aviation sector, despite recent reforms under Keyamo, grapples with structural challenges, including high taxes and aging infrastructure. Caribbean nations, meanwhile, face their own constraints, from small market sizes to reliance on tourism and energy exports.
For both BASAs to succeed, trade analysts say governments and private sectors must collaborate to ensure airlines launch routes promptly, markets are promoted effectively, and economic policies must stimulate trade and investment.
These agreements promise to boost trade, tourism, jobs, and cultural exchange, knitting together two regions with shared aspirations. While challenges like aviation capacity and market demand persist, the potential for an Afro-Caribbean economic renaissance is undeniable. As planes prepare to fly between Lagos, Port of Spain, and potentially Kingston, they will carry not just passengers but the promise of a brighter, more connected future.
