The Federal Government has begun moves to secure a larger airlift quota for Nigerian airlines participating in Hajj operations as part of efforts to strengthen local carriers’ involvement and improve services for intending pilgrims.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, disclosed this after a high-level meeting convened in Abuja to review Nigeria’s aviation strategy for the forthcoming Hajj exercise.
According to the minister, the meeting was held following a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima, aimed at ensuring a more coordinated and efficient airlift arrangement for Nigerian pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adamu Kambari; Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; as well as representatives of airlines involved in Hajj operations.
Keyamo said discussions centred on strategies to negotiate a greater allocation of pilgrims for transportation by Nigerian flag carriers, while guaranteeing that intending pilgrims receive quality services throughout the Hajj process.
He noted that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect, adding that improving the operational framework for Hajj airlift remains a priority.
“As part of our efforts, we discussed ways through 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 minister stated.
To achieve this objective, Keyamo revealed that a joint technical team has been constituted to review the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in 1978, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into in 2015.
The review, he explained, is intended to provide the legal and diplomatic framework for engagements with Saudi authorities aimed at increasing the participation of Nigerian airlines in future Hajj operations
.
The development is expected to boost the capacity of local airlines, create more opportunities within Nigeria’s aviation sector and enhance the overall travel experience for thousands of
Nigerian pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Nigeria has in recent years relied on a combination of domestic and foreign carriers for Hajj operations, with authorities continually seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce operational bottlenecks and ensure seamless transportation for pilgrims from various states of the federation.