Nigeria and Namibia are taking steps to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties by addressing visa challenges hindering smooth travel between both countries.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently met with Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, to discuss solutions for easing visa restrictions and boosting bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Air Travel and Trade
During the meeting at his Abuja office, Keyamo emphasized that removing visa bottlenecks would facilitate trade and tourism between Nigeria and Namibia.
His spokesman, Tunde Moshood, stated that the discussions also covered the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and ways to enhance air connectivity.
Ambassador Geiseb acknowledged the past role of Air Namibia, which once linked Lagos and Accra, but ceased operations due to financial constraints.
Currently, travelers between Nigeria and Namibia face long layovers, mainly in Addis Ababa, due to the absence of direct flights.
Geiseb expressed Namibia’s willingness to partner with Nigerian airlines, particularly Air Peace, to restore direct flight routes. He encouraged Keyamo to collaborate with domestic airlines to explore viable options.
Keyamo’s Commitment to Improved Connectivity
Keyamo backed the idea of strengthening Nigeria-Namibia air travel and shared his own experience with regional flight challenges.
He pointed to the successful establishment of the Algeria-Lagos-Cameroon route, which stemmed from discussions with the Algerian Ambassador.
He also mentioned Xejet Airlines, a fast-growing Nigerian carrier currently managing Sierra Leone’s national airline, as a potential operator for direct flights between the two nations.
Addressing Visa Challenges
A key topic during the meeting was the visa processing difficulties Nigerians face when traveling to Namibia. Keyamo recalled his own struggle to obtain a Namibian visa despite holding a diplomatic passport.
He urged the Namibian government to streamline visa procedures to promote business, tourism, and investment opportunities.
Ambassador Geiseb assured that he would engage his country’s aviation ministry to explore possible solutions and further strengthen bilateral ties.
A Step Toward Closer Relations
Both nations agreed to deepen collaboration on aviation and diplomatic matters. This development marks a significant step toward improving travel accessibility, fostering business partnerships, and enhancing people-to-people connections between Nigeria and Namibia.
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