The Federal Government has begun reviewing the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in a move aimed at securing additional airlift slots for Nigerian airlines during Hajj operations.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday after meeting with key stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s aviation strategy for the forthcoming Hajj.
Keyamo said the meeting followed a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima concerning preparations for the next Hajj operation.
According to the minister, he convened the meeting at his office with the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adamu Kambari, alongside officials and representatives involved in Hajj airlift operations.
Those present included the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; and operators of airlines involved in Hajj services.
Keyamo said discussions centred on increasing the number of Nigerian pilgrims allocated to local carriers for transportation to Saudi Arabia.
He explained that the government was seeking a larger pilgrim quota for Nigerian flag carriers while ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive fair and respectful treatment throughout the process.
The minister disclosed that a joint technical team had been established to examine the existing 1978 BASA and the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He said the review would provide a basis for diplomatic discussions with the Saudi authorities on the airlift arrangements.
The 1978 BASA establishes the framework governing air services between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while the 2015 MOU provides arrangements for the annual sharing of responsibility for transporting Nigerian pilgrims during Hajj operations.
