Nigeria and Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral ties, boost regional integration, investment and expand technical collaboration in air transport.
According a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Aviation, Odutayo Oluseyi, the agreement was finalised following a meeting between delegates from both countries held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which reviewed the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) in line with the updated Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) template for African nations.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, described the MoU as a “historic milestone”, emphasising that the agreement marks a new chapter in Nigeria–Egypt relations and reflects a shared commitment to promoting commerce, tourism, and diplomacy through air connectivity.
He asserted that the collaboration was expected to unlock new opportunities in technical cooperation, route expansion, and joint investment in civil aviation infrastructure across the continent.
Keyamo applauded the Egyptian delegation for their continued partnership, adding that the agreement is a strategic move towards regional integration, enhanced service delivery, and greater connectivity in Africa.
The Minister also said that the agreement aligns with broader efforts to drive regional integration and enhance service delivery in Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria across all sectors, noting the strategic importance of both countries as pillars of stability and growth in Africa.
Highlighting the robust activity of Egypt Air, which currently operates more than 600 flights annually to Lagos and Kano, Abdelatty signalled Egypt’s readiness to increase flight frequency in response to growing passenger demand between the two nations.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, welcomed the Egyptian delegation, noting that the visit was a strong reflection of the long-standing friendship between both countries.
He lauded Keyamo for his responsiveness and dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s global aviation ties.
Kana underscored the immense potential for economic cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt in aviation, infrastructure, and agriculture, stating that many Nigerians, especially in business and public service, view Egypt as a second home.
He advocated for greater trilateral cooperation between Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa to drive technology, innovation, and continental development.