Republic of Namibia has expressed her desire to partner with Nigerian airlines to restore direct flights with Nigeria, noting that it would boost connectivity, economic and investment opportunities between the two African countries.
This was made known by the Ambassador of Namibia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Humphrey D. Geiseb during his visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN) in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Geiseb who recalled the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Namibia, said that Namibian national carrier, Air Namibia previously operated connecting flights between Windhoek -Lagos – Accra; playing a key role in facilitating travels between the two regions, until the airline ceased operations due to financial constraints.
He regretted that Namibians now transist through East Africa before connecting to any West African country. This, he noted has negaltively affected the investment opportunity between Namibia, West Africa and Nigeria in particular.
The ambassador therefore appealed to the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to support the discussions with Nigerian domestic airlines to commence direct scheduled flights operations between Nigeria and Namibia.
Ambassador Geiseb assured that he would engage the Namibian Minister of Aviation, to arrange a possible visit to further strengthen the aviation cooperation between both countries.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, the Minister who shared a personal experience regarding the challenges of getting direct flights in the region, expressed his support for the move saying that it could be a rewarding venture if well explored.
Keyamo who expressed delight on the success of Air Algeria operating connecting flight on Algier -Lagos-Cameroon route, said it was initiated a when Algerian Ambassador proposed a direct connection, notwithstanding the proximity of Nigeria and Cameroon.
While acknowledging the ongoing discussions between the government of Namibia and Air Peace, the Minister also suggested that another Nigeria’s fast-rising domestic carrier, Xejet, which currently operates Sierra Leone’s national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, could be a potential partner in the venture.
