“Keyamo, Namibia Ambassador Discuss Visa-On-Arrival and Direct Flights to Boost Nigeria-Namibia Relations”
Written by Springs News NG Media Limited, March 13, 2025.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, welcomed Humphrey Geiseb, the ambassador of Namibia to Nigeria, in Abuja to discuss the possibility of visa-on-arrival for Nigerians.
The dialogue also focused on the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Namibia and explored potential collaborations to enhance aviation connectivity between the two nations.
Geiseb acknowledged the historical significance of Air Namibia’s operations between the two countries. The national carrier previously connected Lagos to Accra and played a crucial role in facilitating travel between Namibia and Nigeria. However, Air Namibia faced financial challenges and ceased operations after a government bailout.
Geiseb noted that currently, direct connectivity between Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and Nigeria is difficult, with travelers having to transit through Addis Ababa. Although TAG Airlines provides occasional flights, the frequency is insufficient to meet demand. The ambassador expressed Namibia’s interest in partnering with Nigerian airlines to restore direct connectivity and mentioned ongoing discussions with Air Peace. He urged Minister Keyamo to engage with domestic airlines to explore collaboration opportunities.
In response, Minister Keyamo expressed support and shared his personal experience with the challenges of establishing direct flights in the region. He cited the successful Algeria/Lagos/Cameroon flight route, which was initiated after the Algerian Ambassador proposed a direct connection, despite the proximity between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Keyamo also highlighted Xejet, a fast-rising Nigerian domestic carrier that operates Sierra Leone’s national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, as a potential partner for this venture.
Ambassador Geiseb assured the Minister that he would engage Namibia’s Minister of Aviation to arrange a visit aimed at strengthening aviation cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally, Keyamo raised concerns about visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia, recalling his recent difficulties in obtaining a visa despite holding a diplomatic passport. He urged the Ambassador to address these issues to facilitate smoother travel and boost trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Both officials agreed to collaborate on these matters to improve bilateral ties.
