The United States has announced the unveiling of an Air Transport Agreement with Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The agreement, provisionally applied since 2000, aims to establish a modern civil aviation relationship and promote high standards of aviation safety and security.
The Public Diplomacy Department of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria made this disclosure in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the agreement’s alignment with the U.S. Open Skies international aviation policy.
The agreement includes provisions for unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, liberal charter regimes, and open code-sharing opportunities.
In a statement, the U.S. Mission emphasized the positive impact of the agreement on economic and commercial partnerships between the two nations.
It stated that the agreement would create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers, ultimately promoting tourism and commerce.
The announcement follows a meeting in April between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.
During the meeting, both parties reiterated their commitment to a vibrant partnership aimed at building a prosperous future for both nations.
According to Department of State Spokesman, Matthew Miller, the meeting between Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Washington marked progress towards implementing mutual economic, governance, and security priorities.
The statement highlighted discussions on partnerships, shared prosperity, democracy, governance and accountability, and the movement of people, among others.
Campbell’s visit to Nigeria included co-chairing the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Bi-national Commission with Tuggar, as well as engagements with senior government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives.
