The revival of direct flights between Nigeria and Italy is once again on the agenda as officials and business leaders from both nations renew calls for the reactivation of a key bilateral air services agreement. This initiative is being seen as a potential catalyst for increased trade, investment, and broader diplomatic cooperation.
At the recently concluded Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025, held in Abuja, participants emphasised the need to restore direct air connectivity that was disrupted following the exit of Alitalia, Italy’s former national carrier, from the Nigerian route.
Stakeholders argued that the absence of direct flights has imposed logistical and economic burdens on travellers and businesses alike.
Speaking at the summit, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of reviving the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) with Italy.
Representing the Director of Economic Trade and Investment, Amb. Anderson Madubuike, Deputy Director Mrs Eucharia Eze stated, “Since Alitalia ceased operations, it has become difficult for passengers to travel directly between our countries.”
She added that a renewed agreement could not only ease travel but also “contribute to the economic transformation of both nations.”
The summit, themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities,” was organised by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Abuja and Nigeria’s Embassy in Rome.
The event served as a platform for government officials, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss bilateral cooperation beyond conventional diplomacy.
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Nigeria and Italy have maintained steady relations in sectors such as agriculture, energy, trade, and technology. With both economies now aiming to attract more foreign direct investment, participants at the summit highlighted how improved logistics could open untapped market potential.
Amb. Augustine Chigbolu, Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Limited, remarked that restoring direct flights would remove one of the biggest hurdles in strengthening business ties.
“Before Alitalia stopped operating here, a direct flight between Nigeria and Italy took about five hours. Now it takes between 16 to 18 hours due to layovers,” he explained.
Chigbolu also described the summit as a step towards “building lasting partnerships and promoting sustainable growth” between both countries.
The business community also echoed similar sentiments. Italian entrepreneur Roberto Bocca, who attended the summit, noted that a revived air route could deepen bilateral economic exchanges. “Italy continues to invest in Africa, and Nigeria is one of the most promising markets. Direct flights will not only enhance travel but also accelerate cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and aviation,” he said.
Beyond air travel, the summit also explored opportunities for joint ventures and sectoral diversification. As both nations grapple with post-pandemic economic recovery, experts say reactivating the BASA could send a strong signal of renewed commitment to mutual growth.
Though no timeline was given for the implementation of the agreement, the consensus at the summit suggests mounting pressure on both governments to translate diplomatic goodwill into actionable policies.
