The Federal Government has formally requested the reinstatement of the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Italy to enhance direct flights and strengthen trade relations between both countries.

The call was made during the Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025) held in Abuja on Wednesday, where Anderson Madubuike, Director of Economic Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the need to revive direct air travel between the two nations.

Speaking through Eucharia Eze, the ministry's Deputy Director, Madubuike emphasized the challenges passengers face following Alitalia's suspension of operations in Nigeria. "Since Alitalia ceased operations, it has become difficult for passengers to travel directly between our countries," he stated.

The summit, organized by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Italian embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian embassy in Rome, was themed 'Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities'. It aimed to foster stronger economic ties between the two nations.

Madubuike explained that a renewed BASA would significantly contribute to the economic transformation of both countries. He noted that Italy remains a significant trading partner for Nigeria, with both nations seeking to diversify their economies and attract foreign direct investment.

"Italy is a significant trading partner for Nigeria. Both countries aim to diversify their economies and attract foreign direct investment," Madubuike said. "I believe this summit will help foster impactful partnerships."

Augustine Chigbolu, Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Limited, underscored the importance of reintroducing Italian airline services to ease travel between the two nations. He pointed out that travel between Nigeria and Italy now takes 16 to 18 hours due to layovers, compared to the previous five-hour direct flight.

Italian entrepreneur Roberto Bocca predicted that the revival of Alitalia flights would boost trade and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as aviation, energy, and infrastructure. Bocca expressed optimism that Nigeria would emerge as a major market for Italian companies, highlighting Italy's continued investments across Africa.

The reinstatement of the bilateral air services agreement is expected to unlock unrealized economic potential between Nigeria and Italy, which have maintained longstanding ties in areas including trade, investment, agriculture, and technological development.