In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has assured Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mezoued Hosine, that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is fast-tracking the necessary paperwork to launch air services connecting Algeria, Abuja, and Douala.
The announcement was made during a meeting in Abuja focused on initiating a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Algeria.
Recounting the discussions, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, explained that Ambassador Hosine expressed Algeria’s keen interest in activating the new air route.
“He specifically requested the Minister’s intervention in ensuring that the necessary paperwork is expedited by the NCAA to facilitate the commencement of this route, slated to begin operations on April 6, 2024,” the statement read.
In response, Minister Keyamo welcomed the initiative and lauded Algeria’s efforts to strengthen aviation ties with Nigeria. He pledged to accelerate all required processes, reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to fostering robust bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector. The Minister assured the Ambassador that Nigeria is fully prepared to support this initiative, underscoring the government’s focus on enhancing air travel accessibility and solidifying Nigeria’s position as a major aviation hub in Africa.
Quoting Keyamo, the statement added, “This development aligns with our broader vision to enhance Nigeria’s aviation connectivity with key international destinations. We will work closely with relevant agencies, particularly the NCAA, to ensure all required formalities are completed as swiftly as possible.
This is an opportunity we have been waiting for. If we have to go to Cameroon, a neighbouring country that is less than an hour’s flight away, we no longer need to fly to Togo first, possibly sleep over, and then come to Cameroon. This is a welcome development.”
