After several failed attempts to sign the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Israel in 2005 and 2012, the Nigeria government has said that all is in place for it to sign is prepared to sign its first ever Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Israel.
Statements from the Federal Ministry of Aviation indicate that President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to sign the agreement this week during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, after months of rigorous negotiations between the two countries.
According to the ministry, the agreement will address the question of imbalance in the BASA between Nigeria and other contracting countries.
The statement, which was signed by the Special Assistant to the Minster of Aviation on Media, Joe Obi, said the agreement would pave the way for direct flights between both territories on the principle of reciprocity by the designated airlines of both countries.
“Before now, Nigerians travelling to Israel, including Christian pilgrims, have had to endure the long-winding stopovers in neighbouring countries before being finally airlifted to the Holy Land.”
It noted that under the terms of the agreement, Nigeria and Israel would enjoy equal rights and privileges in the implementation of the BASA.
