Mohamed Bazoum and Bola Tinubu. Image: punchng.com
Nigeria continues to halt its flights to the Niger Republic.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resolution, which was presented in response to the events in Niger Republic on July 26, 2023, when the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown in a coup and replaced by the military junta led by General Abdourrahamane Tchiani, has caused the Federal Government to once again suspend commercial flights from Niger Republic to Nigeria and from Nigeria to the nation’s northern neighbour country.
In a letter titled “ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria,” from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services, dated February 2, 2024, and signed by Tayo John, Director of Air Traffic Services, on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the agency, was this directive (NOTAM).
“All commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended by ECOWAS resolutions,” the directive read.
“Overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; aircraft in a state of emergency and special flights are not affected by these restrictions,” it continued.
It also revealed that “authorization for special flights must be obtained from the Ministry of Aviation’s permanent secretary.”