The Federal government is set to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Algeria in the coming months to establish direct flights between the two countries.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo revealed the planned agreement after meeting with an Algerian delegation in Abuja led by Algerian Ambassador Hocine Latli.
While Nigeria and Algeria have long had a Bilateral Air Service Agreement allowing flights between Algiers and Lagos, the route has been underutilised. The new MoU will add Abuja as a destination in Nigeria, with Algeria’s second largest city Oran also open to Nigerian carriers under a reciprocity clause.
Keyamo stated that promoting local airlines is a priority for Nigeria. The MoU process should conclude quickly, with a potential signing in Nigeria or at an international forum within months.
Keyamo said “Although Nigeria has always had a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Algeria (BASA) for decades. However, we haven’t been taken advantage of the agreement. That agreement actually specifies the routes between Algiers and Lagos. Luckily, for both country is a symbiotic relationship.”
Ambassador Latli emphasised the importance of direct air links in strengthening the Algeria-Nigeria partnership. Keyamo welcomed the restart of Air Algeria flights as increasing competition and lowering ticket prices.
“you can’t have a tied partnership if you do not have a direct flight between the two countries, saying today we are trying to solve this problem of direct flight and restart the dynamic partnership and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the next few months”
“So, it is important today that we have reached a common point that the Hon Minister of aviation and Aerospace has accepted the opening of direct flight from Algiers to Nigeria” he stated.
In a separate development, Keyamo was conferred as a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Nigeria. He pledged greater collaboration between the Institute and the Ministry of Aviation for transportation safety and infrastructure
