The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, Festus Keyamo, on Friday led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to finalise negotiations forward of the much-anticipated resumption of Emirates Airways’ flight operations to Nigeria.
The assembly set the muse for a brand new Bilateral Air Service Bargain (BASA) between each nations to make sure stronger and mutually helpful aviation ties.
“The Minister, accompanied by his technical crew, engaged in constructive discussions with UAE aviation authorities, with the purpose of guaranteeing easy reintroduction of Emirates Airways into the Nigerian airspace by Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
“The brand new BASA, which was a focus of the talks, is designed to boost collaboration between the 2 international locations and set up pointers for his or her evolving relationship within the aviation sector.
“Crucially, the negotiations additionally yielded a big Treaty on reciprocal rights, guaranteeing that Nigerian airways will quickly have the chance to begin direct flight operations to the UAE.
“This marks a historic improvement for Nigeria’s aviation business, increasing worldwide connectivity and providing extra choices to vacationers between the 2 nations,” a press release from Nigeria’s aviation ministry stated.
Talking on the result of the assembly, Minister Keyamo said that “the discussions reaffirm our dedication to fostering a balanced and forward-looking partnership with the UAE.
“We’re happy to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airways, which is not going to solely deepen our bilateral ties but additionally strengthen the worldwide competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation business.
“As Emirates returns to Nigeria, we sit up for a thriving and mutually helpful air service relationship.
“This improvement follows weeks of diplomatic and technical consultations geared toward restoring direct air journey between Nigeria and the UAE, additional signaling the Federal Authorities’s dedication to making sure the absolute best outcomes for each Nigerian and worldwide vacationers.
“The resumed flight operations by Emirates and the brand new BASA will play a pivotal function in selling tourism, enterprise, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, in addition to fostering {economic} development.”