By Pelumi Adesonkan
The Federal Government has commenced efforts to secure a larger share of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the forthcoming Hajj operation through the country’s flag carriers.
The move followed a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who called for the development of an aviation strategy for the Hajj operation.
The development was disclosed after a meeting convened to discuss Nigeria’s Hajj aviation strategy, with key stakeholders in the aviation and pilgrimage sectors in attendance.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adamu Kambari; Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and operators of Hajj airlines.
The meeting focused on ways to negotiate a larger quota of pilgrims to be airlifted by Nigerian flag carriers during Hajj operations.
The stakeholders also discussed measures to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive fair treatment and are accorded the necessary respect throughout the airlift process.
As part of the efforts, a joint technical team has been constituted to review existing bilateral aviation agreements between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The team is expected to examine the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with a view to providing the basis for further diplomatic engagement with the Saudi authorities.
The review is expected to help Nigeria strengthen its position in negotiations concerning the participation of Nigerian airlines in the airlift of pilgrims for Hajj operations.
The initiative comes as preparations for the forthcoming Hajj gather momentum, with aviation arrangements remaining a critical component of the pilgrimage exercise.
The government’s strategy is aimed at ensuring greater participation of Nigerian carriers in the transportation of pilgrims while addressing issues surrounding the treatment and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during the operation.
The joint technical team will review the existing agreements and provide recommendations to guide the government’s engagement with the Saudi authorities.
The outcome of the review and subsequent diplomatic discussions could shape the role of Nigerian flag carriers in future Hajj airlift operations.
The stakeholders are also expected to continue consultations with airlines and relevant aviation agencies as preparations for the pilgrimage progress.
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