The governments or Federal Republic of Nigeria and Republic of Seychelles have signed a Bilateral Air Service agreement (BASA).
The signing of the agreement is a formal ratification of an earlier approval by the Federal Executive Council of the Memorandum on signing and ratification of Air Service Agreement between the two African countries.
While the Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika signed on behalf of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Seychelles’ Minister of Transport, Mr. Anthony Derjacques signed on behalf of his country.
The two ministers used the platform created by the ongoing International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) in Abuja to ratify the agreement.
With the signing of the agreement, direct flights may soon begin between the two African countries.
During the ceremony, the two Ministers underscored the importance of the BASA as it will promote air services and connectivity between both countries, enhance business, and promote tourism.
They both agreed that the signing would further promote the African Union Agenda 2063 and called on citizens of both countries to latch on the opportunities of the BASA for their mutual benefits.
Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, James Odaudu in a statement said: “Meanwhile, Federal Ministry of Aviation has either signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and initial Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Senegal, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Finland, Cameroon, Morocco, Suriname, India, Sudan and Uganda.
“The Ministry has also had discussions on how to further implement the open skies Agreement, signed 30 years ago, with the United States of America.”
This is good, but I hope direct flights between the two countries will truly launch