Our continent is poised to integrate more closely with the diaspora. Nigeria and Jamaica have begun discussions on establishing direct flights between the two countries. This was agreed during a meeting between Nigeria’s aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, and Jamaica’s ambassador to the country, Lincoln Downer.
Keyamo said the process to finalise the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) would now be fast-tracked – adding that he was ready to visit Kingston to conclude the deal. Downer, meanwhile, stressed growing ties between the two nations, noting that demand for Jamaican products is increasing in Nigeria.
African and diaspora nations suffer from limited air connectivity compared with the ease of travel within Europe. While the EU benefits from seamless movement due to policies such as Schengen and Open Skies, travel between African and Caribbean countries typically involves high costs and indirect routes.
If successful, the Nigeria-Jamaica agreement will be a boon for pan-African integration, with potential economic and cultural benefits, such as increased trade and tourism.
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Sources
https://www.okayafrica.com/intra-africa-travel-difficult/
https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/visa
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/themen/218432-218432