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In a significant move to enhance regional aviation collaboration, the Nigerian Federal Government has officially granted the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited, authorizing the East African airline to launch scheduled direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
The official handover of the permit took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja, symbolizing a major milestone in aviation cooperation between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania. This strategic partnership is expected to foster deeper economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ahmed Mohammed highlighted the benefits of this initiative. He noted that the entry of Air Tanzania into Nigeria’s aviation space will enhance operational efficiency, elevate aviation safety standards, and promote bilateral cooperation within the sector.
Reinforcing the regulatory framework of this partnership, Mrs. Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed that both nations are on the verge of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As part of this agreement, Air Tanzania will be required to upload passenger data into the NCAA’s AVITECH portal, aligning with Nigeria’s data and safety compliance systems.
The development was warmly welcomed by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Selestine Gervas Kakele, who described it as a “gateway to African prosperity.” He emphasized that improved air connectivity will not only stimulate trade and tourism, but also strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges across the continent.
With regulatory approvals now in place, Air Tanzania is poised to commence direct operations in the near future. The airline is currently finalizing logistical arrangements, including securing office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and obtaining residence permits for its operational staff in Nigeria.
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This milestone aligns with broader efforts across Africa to enhance intra-African connectivity, a crucial step toward realizing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and fostering sustainable economic integration.
