By Chinelo Obogo
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia.
Speaking during a meeting with the Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, in his Abuja office recently, Keyamo cited his recent personal experience of struggling to obtain a visa to Namibia despite holding a diplomatic passport. He expressed frustration over the visa hurdles, which he said hinder seamless travel between the two countries.
Keyamo emphasised that resolving these barriers is critical to unlocking greater trade and investment opportunities while making travel more accessible for citizens of both nations.
During the meeting, both parties also discussed enhancing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to strengthen air connectivity. Keyamo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation under the BASA, which aims to improve direct flights and foster closer ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Geiseb highlighted the historical significance of Air Namibia’s operations, which once served as a vital link between Nigeria and Namibia but ceased due to financial difficulties. With no direct flights currently available, travellers are forced to transit through Addis Ababa, adding unnecessary time and complexity to their journeys.
Keyamo stressed the importance of addressing this issue, referencing Nigeria’s successful efforts in establishing direct flights on other routes. He also identified Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Xejet as potential partners to restore direct connectivity between the two nations.
The meeting concluded with assurances from both parties to collaborate on resolving visa challenges and enhancing aviation ties. Ambassador Geiseb pledged to engage Namibia’s Minister of Aviation to advance these discussions, marking a significant step towards stronger bilateral relations.