BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria and Uganda are planning direct air services as a way of operationalizing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations.
To this end, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed his delight to witness the inaugural flight from Uganda to Nigeria.
Speaking while hosting the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger in his office, Keyamo said both countries would enjoy a harvest of mutual alliance as they already have a long history of delightful brotherhood.
He added the direct flight from Uganda, currently in the works, will deepen the existing partnership between the two countries, especially as the continent gears up for the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCTA) deal.
He said the trade deal will be bolstered by a vibrant air transport sector which Nigeria was committed to.
In his remarks, the Ugandan Ambassador, Nelson Ocheger, who leveraged the visit to officially invite Keyamo to the inaugural flight scheduled for October 19, also informed him about the Business Forum slated for October 21 2023; where business entrepreneurs from Uganda will meet their Nigerian to collaborate and explore business opportunities.
In a related development, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo also hosted the Algerian Ambassador, Mr. Hacine LALTI, who visited him to request a review of the BASA between Algeria and Nigeria.
Keyamo assured the ambassador that the demand for a direct flight from Algiers to Abuja will be achieved.
He added that the meetings of aeronautical engineers from both countries hitherto slated for December will be brought forward tentatively to the 7th of November to fast-track the BASA agreement review as demanded.
The Algerian Ambassador, who spoke earlier, appreciated the Minister for hosting him.
He demanded for a review of the July 14, 2022 BASA agreement to include a direct flight to Abuja.
He added that the Algerian government has since identified Nigeria and South Africa as nations with robust business opportunities which would be explored.
