In a bid to enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Algeria, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Tuesday the intention to review the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Algeria. This move aims to facilitate direct flights between the two nations.
The declaration was made during a meeting between Minister Keyamo and the Algerian Ambassador, Hacine LALTI, who paid a visit to the minister’s office in Abuja. According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesman, Odutayo Oluseyi, Minister Keyamo expressed the commitment to fulfill the demand for a direct flight to Abuja. He also disclosed plans to expedite the review of the BASA agreement, tentatively scheduling meetings for aeronautical engineers from both countries on the 7th of November, a shift from the original December timeline.
Currently, the existing BASA with Algeria permits airlines from Algeria to fly only to Lagos. However, the Algerian ambassador, while expressing gratitude to the minister for his hospitality, urged for a revision of the agreement, which was last updated on July 14th, 2022, to incorporate a direct flight to Abuja.
The Algerian government has identified Nigeria and South Africa as crucial business partners, highlighting the potential for expanded economic cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, Minister Keyamo made a commitment to witness the inaugural flight from Uganda to Nigeria. During this visit, he separately hosted Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger. This reflects the longstanding amicable relations between Nigeria and Uganda. The anticipated inaugural flight, scheduled for October 19, 2023, will mark the commencement of a partnership between the two countries. Minister Keyamo also emphasized the possibility of achieving free trade agreements among African countries through open skies.
Ambassador Nelson Ocheger invited the minister to attend the inaugural flight to Nigeria on October 19, 2023, and informed him of an upcoming business forum on October 21, 2023. This forum will bring together business entrepreneurs from Uganda and Nigeria to explore collaboration and business opportunities.
The prospective review of the air service agreement with Algeria and the burgeoning partnership with Uganda mark significant developments in Nigeria’s international relations and aviation connectivity. These initiatives hold the potential to enhance economic and diplomatic ties within the African continent.
