The Federal Government said it has entered into aviation agreements with the Kingsom of Daudi Arabia and Seychelles to ensure easy and smooth lifting of pilgrims for ‘hajj’ operations.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, engaged with the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Duailj at the ongoing 15th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN 2023) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As part of the forum addressing current industry trends and issues, the meeting included representatives from the aeronautical authorities of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, along with airline representatives. The discussions focused on the performance of Nigerian Air carriers during the 2023 ‘hajj’ operations, challenges faced during the 2023 ‘hajj’ season, outstanding matters concerning Nigerian Air carriers, recommendations for the 2024 ‘hajj’ season and preparations for the 2024 ‘hajj’ season.
The meeting resolved to make concerted efforts to ensure flawless and seamless ‘hajj’ operations for the pilgrims’ benefit. A standing committee was established, with representatives from both countries mandated to meet weekly to discuss Nigeria’s progress in preparing for the pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina.
Additionally, to strengthen the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Seychelles, Keyamo met with the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Anthony Derjacques. The discussions centered on accelerating direct air connectivity between the two countries.
Keyamo commended Derjacques for initiating the meeting and pledged to expedite the implementation of the signed BASA to enhance trade and tourism between the two African nations. He informed the Seychelles Minister of Transport that the Nigerian government had taken steps towards ratifying the BASA, with the Ministry of Justice initiating the process.
Furthermore, Keyamo expressed his commitment to working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure thorough profiling of individuals intending to visit Seychelles from Nigeria, preventing those with malicious intentions from entering the country. Focal officers were appointed by both countries to drive the implementation of the decisions made during the meeting.
Derjacques highlighted that the signed BASA, agreed upon during the 2022 ICAN meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, had been deposited with the parliament of Seychelles for ratification. He emphasised the need to commence direct flights between Seychelles and Nigeria, whether through chartered or scheduled operations, noting that his country had established a robust system to welcome those with genuine intentions, showcasing Seychelles’ tourism and aquatic allure.
