Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has assured the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mezoued Hosine, that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is expediting the paperwork to facilitate the launch of air services linking Algeria, Abuja and Douala.
Keyamo gave the assurance in Abuja at a meeting he held with Hosine to discuss the commencement of Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, arrangements between Nigeria and Algeria.
Revealing the details of the meeting in a statement, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Mr Tunde Moshood, said Hosine expressed Algeria’s interest in activating the air services connecting Algeria, Abuja and Douala.
The statement reads: “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.
“In response, the Minister welcomed the initiative and commended Algeria’s efforts in strengthening aviation ties with Nigeria. He pledged to expedite all necessary processes to ensure a smooth implementation of the agreement, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector.
“The Minister assured the Ambassador of Nigeria’s readiness to support this initiative, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving air travel accessibility and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key 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 flight, we have to fly to Togo first, possibly sleep over before coming to our neighbouring Cameroon, this is a welcome development.”
Vanguard
