The Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, met with Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday to discuss visa-on-arrival policies and improved air connectivity between both nations.
Their discussions focused on the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the potential for direct flights between Nigeria and Namibia. Ambassador Geiseb emphasized the historical role of Air Namibia in connecting the two countries and expressed interest in collaborating with Nigerian airlines to restore direct routes. He highlighted ongoing talks with Air Peace and encouraged the minister to engage other domestic carriers for possible partnerships.
Minister Keyamo welcomed the initiative, noting that Nigeria already has direct flight routes with countries like Algeria and Cameroon. He suggested that Xejet, a rising Nigerian airline currently managing Sierra Leone’s national carrier, could play a role in facilitating air links with Namibia.
Ambassador Geiseb assured Keyamo that he would discuss the collaboration with Namibia’s Minister of Aviation, proposing a high-level visit to further aviation cooperation.
The meeting also addressed visa difficulties between the two countries. Minister Keyamo shared his personal challenges in obtaining a Namibian visa despite holding a diplomatic passport. He urged the ambassador to work on streamlining visa processes to enhance travel, trade, and investment between Nigeria and Namibia.
Both parties agreed to strengthen their cooperation in aviation and travel facilitation to boost bilateral relations.
