Nigerian government approves bilateral air services agreement with Kuwait

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the signing of a bilateral air services agreement between Nigeria and Kuwait.

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika revealed this when he spoke to reporters at the end of the weekly council meeting in Abuja.

He explained that the agreement will serve as a gateway for transparent air services between the two countries, which is in line with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“This memo has to do with the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State of Kuwait. In this memorandum as approved, the text has been pre-initialled and has been approved by the Federal Department of Justice,” the minister said.

Mr Sirika said: “It provided that the content of the agreement should have reciprocal rights and privileges for the countries and airlines involved. This will open air transport possibilities between the two countries, in accordance with the convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of December 7, 1944, of which the two countries are signatories.

He denied that more than 14 billion naira had been spent on the planned floating of a national carrier for the country.

The Minister assured the citizens that Nigeria Air will be a reality and will be introduced for the benefit of Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

Advisors

Sirika said the Council had also approved a contract for the engagement of consultants for the revalidation and collection of aviation height clearance for tall buildings and masts which may impede aerial operations at the Nigeria.

He said the contract will cost nothing to the budget as the revenue generated will be used to pay the consultants.

“We have obtained approval for the award of a contract for the engagement of consultants for the revalidation and collection of aviation height clearance on behalf of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The contract was approved with a scale and at no cost to the budget,” Sirika said.

He said: “Revenue from this will be used to pay consultants 0-1 billion (7%); 1.1-2.5 billion, 5% and 2.5-5 billion is 3%”.

“There have been instances in Nigeria where we have had air crashes in the past due to communication masts like the one in Jos-Plateau State. Having masts around the airport, or near or even of a building, so long as it involves unsafe operations, which must be regulated by the NCAA,” he said.

Going forward, the minister said consultants would prosecute people with such masts or buildings, to ensure they comply with the regulations.