*To fast track implementation of BASA with Republic of Seychelles
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo has met with the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, at the ongoing 15th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2023) holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .
The meeting which had officials of the Aeronautical authorities from both countries in attendance, including representatives of airlines from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, discussed critical issues with respect to the performance of Nigerian Air Carriers during the 2023 Hajj operations.
The meeting also discussed challenges of Hajj operations during the 2023 Hajj season; recommendations for 2024 Hajj season and the preparation for the exercise.
Keyamo, in a statement released yesterday, in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, noted that the ongoing ICAO’s ICAN2023 provides countries and participants a forum to learn about current industry trends and issues, and exchange experiences, in addition to negotiation of agreements with respect to air services on direct flight connectivity between countries for the purpose of promoting commerce, trade and tourism.
He said the conference would provide the Nigerian government opportunity to discuss extensively with its Saudi counterpart on all the issues and ensure flawless and seamless Hajj operations in the interest of the pilgrims.
According to Keyamo, “A standing committee was constituted with representatives from the two countries with the mandate to meet weekly to discuss on progress being made by Nigeria towards preparations for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah and Medina.”
Similarly, in order to deepen the implementation of the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Seychelles, Keyamo also met with his counterpart, the Minister of Transport of Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Anthony Derjacques.
The meeting, Keyamo hinted was at the instance of Seychelles to discuss on how to further accelerate direct air connectivity between the two countries.
The Aviation Minister, applauded Derjacques for initiating the meeting and promised to fast track the implementation of the signed BASA to promote trade and tourism between the two African nations.
Continuing, he stated that he would liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure that adequate profiling was done on those who had the intention of visiting Seychelles from Nigeria to prevent those with bad intentions from entering the country.
Speaking, Derjacques who noted that the subsisting BASA between the two countries was signed at the 2022 ICAN meeting held in Abuja, had not been operational, noted that the signed BASA instrument had been deposited with the parliament of Seychelles for ratification.
He, therefore, stated that nothing should stop the commencement of direct flight between Seychelles and Nigeria, either through chartered flight or scheduled operations.
He further disclosed that his country had put in place a robust system that would ensure that those with genuine intentions were allowed into the country known for tourism and her aquatic splendour.
