The Nigerian Government has called for the revival of the bilateral air services agreement with Italy to restore direct flight operations and strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.

The Director of Economic Trade and Investment at at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Anderson Madubuike,, who made the call at the Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025) in Abuja on Wednesday, noted that the move aimed at facilitating direct flights between the two countries and boost bilateral trade and investment.

Madubuike, who was represented by Mrs Eucharia Eze, Deputy Director in the ministry, highlighted the challenges passengers face due to the suspension of Alitalia’s operations in Nigeria, which had disrupted direct travel between Nigeria and Italy.

“Since Alitalia ceased operations, it has become difficult for passengers to travel directly between our countries,” he stated, adding that a renewed BASA would contribute to the economic transformation of both nations.

He noted that Nigeria and Italy shared longstanding relations in sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, and technological development and that the BASA agreement could unlock untapped economic potential.

“Italy is a significant trading partner for Nigeria. Both countries aim to diversify their economies and attract foreign direct investment.

“I believe this summit will help foster impactful partnerships,” he added.

In his speech, Amb. Augustine Chigbolu, Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Limited, stressed the importance of reinstating an Italian airline service to alleviate travel challenges between the two nations.

He noted that before Alitalia’s withdrawal, the flight duration between Nigeria and Italy was just five hours. However, it now takes between 16 to 18 hours due to layovers.

The report by Punch newspaper quoted Chigbolu as saying that the summit was a dynamic platform to promote sustainable growth and meaningful partnerships between the two countries.

Roberto Bocca, an Italian entrepreneur, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the strategic and growing partnership between Italy and Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the revival of Alitalia flights would strengthen trade and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and aviation.

Bocca also highlighted Italy’s ongoing investments in Africa and expressed hope that Nigeria would become a primary market for Italian businesses.

The summit, organised by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, is themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities.”

GIK/APA