The federal government has presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited.
Speaking at the event at the headquarters of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the permanent secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the initiative aimed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania in the aviation sector.
He said the FCOP would standardise procedures, ensuring seamless interactions and efficient operations between Nigeria and Tanzania aviation stakeholders and aligning with international best practices.
According to him, “The presentation of FCOP to Air Tanzania Company Limited is a significant step in our efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations.”
He stated that the initiative aligned with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government’s efforts to promote regional integration and cooperation in West Africa and beyond.
Dr Kana, represented by Ahmed Mohammed, assured the Air Tanzania officials of Nigeria’s readiness to provide everything they need to operate and instructed them to liaise with all the ministry agencies to meet their needs.
Earlier, the United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation and readiness to collaborate with Tanzania, stating that Nigeria is the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.
According to him, “The movement of people, goods and services in Africa have suffered huge setback due to lack of regional connectivity and this s why the two countries are coming together to establish a durable flight link. ”
He emphasised that ATCL is poised to commence scheduled direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Lagos, Nigeria, following the successful completion of key regulatory requirements by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
