In a bid to bolster bilateral relations between Tunisia and Nigeria, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Nigeria, Moshen Antit, has announced plans to introduce direct flights between the two countries by 2026.
Antit disclosed this during a press briefing with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
He emphasized that the introduction of direct flights is crucial for facilitating closer business, political, and cultural interactions between the nations.
“The current situation, where flights between Nigeria and Tunisia are primarily operated by non-African airlines, is not ideal.
The only African airline offering a direct link is Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc, which recently launched a flight between Abuja and Casablanca in June 2024,” Antit said.
He added that improved air connectivity is expected to ease travel for both business people and tourists, thereby strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Nigeria.
“Although we are in North Africa and you are in the West, the distance is not too far. However, today, we are obliged to take two flights to move between our countries. This contradiction needs to change,” Antit remarked.
The ambassador highlighted that the plan for direct flights is still in development, with both countries committed to working together to ensure its successful implementation.
“We are working on establishing an airline link between Tunisia and Nigeria to make our affairs and relationship more effective,” he explained.
“I discussed this matter with President Tinubu when I met him in April 2024, and we both agreed that direct air travel is essential to bring our peoples closer together.”
Antit assured that the flights are scheduled to be operational by 2026, but stressed the importance of hard work to ensure Nigeria is a key part of this project.
“Nigeria will not be the only new destination added to this network, but we must collaborate closely to make this a reality,” he stated.
In addition to air travel, the Tunisian Ambassador underscored the importance of cultural exchanges and collaborations in various sectors.
He announced that a delegation of more than 20 Tunisian businessmen will visit Abuja to participate in a multisectoral economic forum, aimed at strengthening economic and investment relations between the two countries.
“The Tunisian delegation coming to Nigeria for this forum is the first of its kind in both size and significance.
Tunisia is keen to develop its relationship with West African countries, particularly Nigeria, which is the largest and richest economy in Africa,” Antit said.
He further explained that the forum would provide an opportunity for Nigerian and Tunisian businessmen to meet face-to-face, moving beyond virtual relationships that have dominated global business interactions in recent years.
“Organizing B2B meetings between businessmen from both countries will be a key asset to enhance investments between Tunisia and Nigeria.
The potential for collaboration in many economic sectors is enormous, and both Nigerian and Tunisian entrepreneurs are convinced that they can complement each other in a spirit of brotherhood and mutual good faith,” Antit concluded.
