Algeria, Uganda seeks closer air connectivity, pacts with Nigeria

The countries of Algeria and Uganda have sought closer air connectivity and improved the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Nigeria as leaders of both nations said the free trade agreement among African countries remains a veritable avenue for citizens of the continent to explore business opportunities across countries.

The Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger and his Algerian counterpart, Mr. Hacine Lalti made the call during a separate visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in Abuja.

An electronic statement by the ministry spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi disclosed that Ambassador Ocheger had invited Mr. Keyamo to witness the inaugural flight of Uganda to Nigeria scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 19th October and a business forum slated for Friday, where business entrepreneurs from Uganda will meet their Nigerian counterparts for collaboration and business opportunities.

Keyamo was quoted saying Nigeria and Uganda have a long history of brotherhood and affirmed that the direct flight will mark the beginning of partnership between the two countries.

On his part, the Algerian Ambassador, Mr. Lalti said the North African country is seeking for a review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Algeria and Nigeria.

He said the demand for a direct flight to Abuja will be achieved noting that the meetings of aeronautical engineers from both countries slated earlier for December will be brought forward tentatively to the 7th of November to fast track the BASA agreement review as demanded.

The Algerian envoy also demanded for a review of the July 14th, 2022 agreement to include a direct flight to Abuja, saying that the governments of Algeria have identified Nigeria and South Africa as business opportunities countries and is willing to partner with them.