FG reviews 1978 Nigeria-Saudi air service agreement to secure more Hajj slots

The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of helping Nigerian airlines secure more slots to transport pilgrims during Hajj. This move came following a meeting with key stakeholders on Nigeria’s Hajj aviation plans, which was convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The meeting was called into action by a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is overseeing preparations for the upcoming Hajj.

The discussions in the meeting revolved around identifying methods to increase the number of Nigerian pilgrims that local airlines can transport during the Hajj. Keyamo stated that the conversations centered on negotiating a larger quota of pilgrims to be airlifted by the country's flag carriers, while ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

The minister further revealed that a joint technical team has been appointed to review both the 1978 BASA and the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, enabling diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities. The 1978 BASA outlines the framework for air services between the two countries, while the 2015 MOU addresses the division of responsibilities concerning the air transport of Nigerian pilgrims during Hajj.