Algeria seeks review of BASA with Nigeria to allow for direct flights into Abuja
…as Keyamo prepares to welcome Uganda Air to Nigeria
The Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Hacine LALTI has demanded a review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed between the two countries on July 14th, 2022 to include a direct flight from Algiers into Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
LALTI made this demand during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, earlier today in Abuja.
According to him, the government of Algeria has identified business opportunities in Nigeria and South Africa, and is willing to partner with them.
On his part, Keyamo, who recently promised to embark on review of all BASAs in favour of indigenous airlines, assured the Algerian Ambassador of his willingness to grant his request.
According to Keyamo, the demand for a direct flight to Abuja will be achieved, noting that the meetings of aeronautical engineers from both countries slated earlier for December will be brought forward tentatively to the 7th of November to fast-track the BASA agreement review as demanded.
Earlier, the Minister had received the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, who was on a courtesy visit to prepare for the arrival of Uganda Air to Nigeria.
Having extended an invitation to the Minister for the inaugural flight to Nigeria scheduled for Thursday, 19th October, 2023, Ocheger also informed the Minister of a Business forum slated for Friday, 20th October, 2023, where business entrepreneurs from Uganda will meet their Nigerian counterparts for collaboration and business opportunities.
While thanking the Ugandan Ambassador for the courtesy visit, Keyamo said Nigeria and Uganda have a long history of brotherhood, adding that he will witness the inaugural flight of Uganda Air to Nigeria.
He assured that the inaugural flight to be witnessed will mark the beginning of partnership between the two countries, noting that free trade between African countries can only be actualised through Open Sky Agreements, which will vastly expand international passenger and cargo flight service in the continent.
