Market News

BY  OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN

The United States has announced the reintroduction of an Air Transport Agreement with Nigeria to strengthen bilateral aviation ties between the two countries.

This was disclosed by the Public Diplomacy Department of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the agreement, which had provisionally been applied since 2000, was muted to establish a modern civil aviation relationship between the two countries.

The statement reads, “The U.S.-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2000, entered into force on May 13, 2024. This bilateral agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with Nigeria is consistent with U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy and with commitments to high standards of aviation safety and security.”

Giving the essence of the agreement, the Public Diplomacy Department of the U.S. Mission stated that the benefits included provisions that allow for unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities.

It further noted, “This agreement with Nigeria is a step forward in liberalising the international civil aviation sector in Africa and further expands our strong economic and commercial partnership, promotes people-to-people ties, and creates new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.

“With this agreement, air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travellers and shippers, which in turn promotes tourism and commerce.”