In a significant stride towards enhancing global connectivity, the Federal Government of Nigeria is in the final stages of negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Algeria to establish a direct flight route between the two nations. This promising development was disclosed by the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a recent meeting with a high-level delegation from Algeria, led by the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria.
Minister Keyamo underscored the historical existence of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Algeria, which had been in place for several decades. However, he lamented that the full potential of this agreement had not been realized. The existing BASA, as Keyamo noted, delineates flight routes between Algiers and Lagos. Fortunately, he pointed out that both nations share a mutually beneficial relationship.
The recent outreach from the Algerian delegation sought to reactivate the Algiers-Lagos route, with the aim of reviving the underutilized BASA. In addition, the Algerian representatives presented a Memorandum of Understanding that not only envisions the inclusion of Abuja in the flight route but also offers reciprocity by allowing Nigerian airlines access to the second-largest city in Algeria, Oran.
Keyamo emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of local airline operators, promoting their business, and ensuring a level playing field. He was pleased to report that the Algerian delegation readily agreed to the principle of reciprocity, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a balanced partnership.
The Honorable Minister stated that the government would conduct a thorough review of the MoU, following the standard bureaucratic procedures. He expressed the government’s eagerness to schedule a signing ceremony, either within Nigeria or on the international stage, to welcome Air Algeria back to Nigerian soil. Keyamo stressed the government’s aim of fostering competition within the aviation industry, thereby reducing air ticket prices to the benefit of the Nigerian populace. He underscored the symbiotic nature of this relationship, with advantages extending to both Algeria and Nigeria.
The Ambassador of Algeria, His Excellency Mr. Hocine Latli, who led the delegation, highlighted the indispensability of a direct flight link to cement a robust partnership. He lauded the progress made in resolving the direct flight issue, aiming to reignite dynamic cooperation between the two nations in the coming months.
In another development, Minister Festus Keyamo was bestowed with a prestigious charter as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). The President of the institute, Barrister Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, and members of the institution visited his office for the special recognition. The Minister was also extended an invitation to the institute’s forthcoming conference scheduled for November.
Expressing his gratitude, Minister Keyamo conveyed his admiration for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, expressing a desire for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to collaborate with the institute on matters related to safety and infrastructure development.
