The Federal Government says, plans are underway for the review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, between Algeria and Nigeria.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Algerian Ambassador, Mr. Hacine LALTI.
In a statement by the ministry’s spokesman Odutayo Oluseyi, the minister assured of a review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both countries.
He said 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 Fastrack the BASA agreement review as demanded.
Speaking earlier, the Algerian Ambassador, Mr. Hacine LALTI expressed appreciation to the Minister for hosting him.
He demanded for a review of the July 14th, 2022 agreement to include a direct flight to Abuja, saying that the government of Algeria have identified Nigeria and South Africa as business opportunities countries and is willing to partner with them.
Also on a courtesy visit to the Minister was the Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger where he invited the minister to witness the inaugural flight of Uganda Air to Nigeria.
Keyamo, while thanking the Ambassador for the visit said, Nigeria and Uganda have a long history of brotherhood.
He said the direct flight to be witnessed will mark the beginning of partnership between the two countries while noting that free trade agreement between African countries can only easily come through open skies.
While inviting the Minister to the inaugural flight to Nigeria scheduled for Thursday, 19th October,2023, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger also informed the Minister of the Business forum slated for Friday, 21th, October, 2023 where business entrepreneurs from Uganda will meet their Nigerian counterparts for collaboration and business opportunities.