Published on
November 15, 2025
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are coming together with Nigeria at ICAN 2025 to revisit and strengthen their bilateral air service agreements, a move aimed at enhancing global travel connectivity and fostering economic ties. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, as it seeks to expand its aviation sector, boost tourism, and facilitate smoother business and cultural exchanges with these influential European nations. By revisiting these air service agreements, Nigeria aims to unlock new travel opportunities, improve air connectivity, and pave the way for greater cooperation between Africa and Europe in the aviation industry.
As the global aviation landscape evolves, Nigeria is taking proactive steps to solidify and expand its air service agreements with key international partners. The upcoming 2025 International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its global aviation partnerships. This year, Nigeria has chosen to focus on revisiting and renewing its bilateral air service agreements (BASA) with three important European countries: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
This move comes at a time when aviation cooperation and air traffic growth are becoming critical drivers for the economic recovery of countries worldwide. The initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to improving its aviation sector by strengthening partnerships with major global aviation hubs, such as those in the Nordic region.
ICAN 2025: A Platform for Strengthening Global Aviation Partnerships
Organized annually by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ICAN event serves as a significant forum for both bilateral and multilateral negotiations related to air services. It allows countries to meet and discuss key aviation matters, from air traffic agreements to safety and regulatory frameworks. For Nigeria, this year’s event provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, nations with established aviation infrastructure, and tap into the lucrative air traffic market between Africa and Europe.
At ICAN 2025, the Nigerian delegation will engage in joint sessions with representatives from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, aiming to review and possibly revise existing air service agreements. These documents, which form the backbone of international air connectivity, are due for review to better align with the evolving demands of global aviation, technological advancements, and changing market conditions.
Nigeria’s decision to revisit these BASAs stems from its strategic focus on expanding international aviation routes, increasing tourism flows, and enhancing trade connections. By fostering stronger ties with the Nordic nations, Nigeria hopes to further integrate itself into the global aviation network, encouraging more direct flights and facilitating smoother travel for passengers flying between Africa and Europe.
The Nigerian Delegation: Leading the Charge for Aviation Expansion
The Nigerian aviation delegation at ICAN 2025 will be led by Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. His leadership marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve its aviation sector and global standing. Keyamo has long championed the expansion of Nigeria’s aviation network and sees the negotiations with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark as essential to this vision.
Joining Keyamo in this diplomatic mission are several prominent figures from Nigeria’s aviation and air transport sector, including Chris Najomo, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Ahmed Mohammed, the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation. Their expertise and experience will be vital in ensuring that Nigeria secures favorable terms in the renewed BASAs.
Also present will be Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal Services at the Ministry, and Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA. Their roles will be pivotal in navigating the legal and consumer protection aspects of the agreements, ensuring that Nigeria’s air travel market remains both competitive and secure for passengers.
A key element of the delegation also includes senior members of Nigeria’s Airline Operators Association (AON), including Toyin Olajide, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, and Charles Johnson Ararume, the Chief Financial Officer of Arik Air. Their involvement underscores the direct impact these air service agreements have on the Nigerian airline industry. They will provide valuable insights into the operational challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s domestic and international air travel market.
The Role of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark in Strengthening Global Travel Ties
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, collectively known as the Nordic countries, are influential players in the European aviation industry. Their airlines, including SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), Norwegian Air Shuttle, and others, have long maintained a strong presence on international routes connecting Europe with regions across the world. With the ongoing rise of air travel demand in Africa and the growth of emerging markets like Nigeria, these countries offer a strategic opportunity for collaboration.
The Nordic countries are known for their strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency in aviation. Their involvement in revising air service agreements with Nigeria is expected to bring a wealth of expertise to the table, with potential benefits for Nigerian air carriers. By strengthening ties with these countries, Nigeria can enhance its aviation infrastructure, increase its connectivity, and encourage greater investment in its aviation sector.
Furthermore, the renewed agreements could lead to more direct flights between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, which would facilitate business travel, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Increased connectivity between Nigeria and Europe is expected to lead to more tourism growth, particularly in the tourism-reliant regions of Nigeria that stand to benefit from increased international exposure.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector and Travel Industry
The decision to revisit air service agreements with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2050 goals, which include transforming the country into a major player in global air transport. Nigeria’s aviation industry has made strides in the past decade, with a significant increase in both domestic and international passenger traffic. However, to realize its full potential, Nigeria needs to continue expanding its network and establishing stronger international partnerships.
For Nigerian travelers, the renewed BASA agreements are likely to have several advantages. Direct flights to and from major cities in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark could reduce travel times and increase the convenience of flying between Nigeria and these countries. This would be a boon for both business travelers and tourists seeking to explore the opportunities available in Africa and Europe.
Additionally, with Nigeria’s growing position as a hub for both tourism and business in West Africa, the agreements could lead to a larger influx of international tourists into Nigeria. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique tourist destinations that remain underexplored by international travelers. The partnership with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark could open new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.
On the business front, better air connectivity between Nigeria and the Nordic countries will boost economic ties, improve trade relationships, and support foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria. The aviation sector, in particular, is seen as a key enabler of economic growth, as it connects people, goods, and services to international markets.
What’s Next for Nigeria’s Aviation Future?
As Nigeria prepares for its discussions at ICAN 2025, it remains focused on its long-term aviation goals, including expanding aviation infrastructure and enhancing safety standards. The country’s aviation sector has the potential to contribute significantly to its GDP and employment. However, this can only be achieved through consistent efforts to expand its network of international partnerships.
The outcome of the BASA negotiations with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will likely serve as a model for future air service agreements with other countries. It may also provide valuable lessons for Nigeria in balancing the economic benefits of air travel with the sustainability goals that are becoming increasingly important in global aviation.
In the coming years, it is expected that Nigeria will continue to pursue additional agreements with countries in both Africa and Europe, further cementing its status as a key player in global aviation. By engaging in these talks, Nigeria is positioning itself as a country with a progressive, forward-thinking approach to aviation that will benefit not only the travel industry but the entire economy.
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are uniting with Nigeria at ICAN 2025 to strengthen travel ties by revisiting their air service agreements, aiming to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth. This collaboration is set to boost air travel between Africa and Europe, benefiting both tourism and trade.
The renewed bilateral air service agreements between Nigeria, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway hold the promise of a stronger, more interconnected global aviation network. The discussions at ICAN 2025 represent a critical opportunity for Nigeria to further integrate itself into the global air transport system, opening the door to new business, tourism, and cultural exchange opportunities. As these agreements are revisited and strengthened, the potential benefits for travelers, airlines, and the broader aviation sector are immense, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in shaping the future of air travel.
