Keyamo Hosts Namibian Ambassador, Discusses Direct Flights, Visa Challenges
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday welcomed the Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Humphrey D. Geiseb, for a high-level meeting focused on strengthening aviation ties and addressing visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister disclosed that the discussions, held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, centred on the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two nations and explored opportunities for enhanced aviation connectivity.
The Ambassador underscored the historical significance of Air Namibia’s previous operations, which once connected Lagos to Accra and facilitated travel between Nigeria and Namibia.
However, following financial challenges and a government bailout, Air Namibia ceased operations, leaving a gap in direct air travel between the two countries.
Ambassador Geiseb highlighted the current difficulty of travelling directly between Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and Nigeria, noting that passengers are often forced to transit through Addis Ababa.
While TAG Airlines occasionally operates flights on the route, the service remains infrequent and insufficient to meet growing demand for seamless travel.
Expressing Namibia’s commitment to restoring direct connectivity, the Ambassador disclosed ongoing discussions with Nigerian airline, Air Peace, and encouraged Minister Keyamo to engage other domestic carriers to explore partnership opportunities.
In response, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Namibia to improve air links.
He shared a personal experience regarding the successful launch of the Algeria–Lagos–Cameroon flight route, which was initiated after a proposal from the Algerian Ambassador.
The Minister further suggested that Xejet, one of Nigeria’s emerging domestic carriers, which currently operates Sierra Leone’s national airline, Air Sierra Leone, could play a pivotal role in establishing a direct link between Nigeria and Namibia.
The Minister also addressed the issue of visa restrictions, recounting his recent difficulties in securing a Namibian visa despite holding a diplomatic passport.
He urged the Ambassador to facilitate smoother visa processes to strengthen trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations. Both parties agreed to work towards resolving these issues to promote greater bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Geiseb assured Minister Keyamo that he would engage Namibia’s Minister of Aviation to arrange a follow-up visit aimed at reinforcing aviation collaboration between the two countries.
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening aviation and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Namibia, with both countries poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and improved air travel connectivity.
