Nigeria and Algeria are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will enable direct flights between the two countries after years of suspension, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Keyamo revealed this when he received a delegation from Algeria led by the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Latli, in his office recently. He said the MoU would specify the routes and frequencies of the flights and the reciprocity for the local airlines operating in both countries.
The minister said the MoU was in line with the spirit of opening up the sky in Africa and enhancing the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Algeria. He added that the MoU would also benefit the passengers and the airlines by reducing the cost and time of travel and boosting trade and tourism.
Keyamo said the federal government would quickly review the agreement’s details and fix a date for the signing, either in Nigeria or at an international forum. He expressed his happiness to have Air Algeria back on Nigerian soil and said he wanted competition and cooperation in the aviation sector.
The Algerian ambassador said the direct flight agreement would restart the dynamic partnership and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the next few months. He said the agreement was important to have a strong partnership and to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
The direct flight between Nigeria and Algeria was suspended in 2017 for security and operational reasons. The two countries have a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed in 2006, but it has not been fully implemented. The BASA allows the designated airlines of both countries to operate scheduled flights between Algiers and Lagos, as well as other destinations.
The resumption of direct flight is expected to boost the economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Algeria and foster regional integration and development. The two countries have a long history of cooperation in various fields, such as energy, agriculture, security, and culture.
Nigeria and Algeria are also members of the African Union and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and have a common interest in the stability and prosperity of the continent.
Source: Nairametrics
