The Federal Government has officially presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), authorizing the East African airline to commence flights to and from Nigeria.
The permit was handed over at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, represented by Mr. Ahmed Tijani Mohammed.
Dr. Kana said the initiative would enhance operational efficiency, aviation safety, and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania in line with international best practices.
“This marks a significant milestone in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence,” he said, noting that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening regional integration across Africa.
Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding between both nations would be signed soon, and that ATCL must integrate passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal.
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Selestine Gervas Kakele, hailed the development as a boost to regional connectivity, confirming that ATCL will soon launch direct Dar es Salaam–Lagos flights after completing regulatory requirements.
The event was attended by senior officials from both countries’ aviation sectors and representatives of Air Tanzania.
Writing by Hamza Alkali