…Says only Keyamo, Presidency, ECOWAS can change status quo
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has provided lucid details as to why there has been a flight suspension between Nigeria and Niger.
NAMA, in a statement by Abdullahi Musa, its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained that the temporary termination of commercial flights between both nations stemmed from the recent political events surrounding the coup d’état in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023.
He added that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in response to the coup, convened an extraordinary summit to address the situation.
“Among the resolutions adopted during the summit, ECOWAS announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, along with the establishment of a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
“In retaliation to these measures, the Niger government suspended flights into Nigeria and overflying planes. Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a directive to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on August 2, 2023. This directive instructed NAMA to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) effective from August 3, 2023, enforcing the no-fly zone on all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria.
“As of 0600 UTC on August 3, 2023, aircraft departing from or arriving at aerodromes within the Niamey Flight Information Region (FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were prohibited from entering Kano FIR until further notice”, he explained.
The NAMA Spokesman added that in adherence to standard procedures, the NOTAM transitioned into an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on January 29, 2024.
“The AIC reiterated the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria, as well as flights overflying Nigeria to Niger.
“However, certain exemptions were outlined, including over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency, and special flights. It is important to note that special flights require authorization from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development”, he added.
Musa further explained that the suspension of flights can only be lifted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development as approved by the Presidency and ECOWAS.
He pledged NAMA’s unflinching commitment to ensuring the safety and security of airspace users, in compliance with international regulations and directives.
