By Nathaniel Irobi
The Federal Government has commenced a review of the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia in a bid to expand Hajj slots for Nigerian carriers.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, following a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima (GCON) regarding the forthcoming Hajj operation.
The Minister, on Wednesday, convened a meeting in his office with the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adamu Kambari, in attendance. Others present were the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and Hajj airline operators.
The meeting, the Minister said, was convened to discuss Nigeria’s Hajj aviation strategy.
“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,” the statement read.
He further disclosed that a joint technical team has now been tasked with reviewing the 1978 BASA and the 2015 MOU so that Nigeria can diplomatically engage with Saudi authorities.
The review is expected to strengthen the position of Nigerian flag carriers in Hajj operations and secure better terms for both airlines and pilgrims.
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