FG Reviews Nigeria-Saudi Air Deal To Secure More Hajj Slots For Local Airlines
The Federal Government has commenced a review of the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to secure more Hajj airlift slots for Nigerian airlines.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday following a stakeholder meeting convened to discuss Nigeria’s aviation strategy for the forthcoming Hajj operation.
Keyamo said the meeting was held in response to a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima concerning preparations for the next Hajj exercise.
He said the meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mahmud Adamu Kambari; Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; and representatives of Hajj airline operators.
According to the minister, discussions centred on securing a larger quota of Nigerian pilgrims for airlift by Nigerian flag carriers during the Hajj operations.
“We discussed ways by which we can negotiate more quota of pilgrims to be airlifted by our flag carriers for Hajj operations whilst ensuring Nigerian pilgrims are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve,” Keyamo said.
He explained that a joint technical team had been constituted to review the existing 1978 BASA and a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Keyamo said the review would provide the basis for renewed diplomatic engagement with the Saudi authorities on the allocation of Hajj airlift slots.
“A joint technical team has now been tasked with reviewing the 1978 BASA and 2015 MOU so we can diplomatically engage with Saudi authorities,” he said.
The 1978 BASA provides the framework governing air services between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while the 2015 MOU outlines arrangements for the sharing of the annual airlift of Nigerian pilgrims.
The latest move is aimed at strengthening the participation of Nigerian airlines in Hajj operations while addressing concerns over the treatment and transportation of Nigerian pilgrims.
