FG reviews 1978 Nigeria-Saudi air pact to boost Hajj slots for local airlines
Earlier today, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced that the Federal Government has begun reviewing the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement and a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia to secure more Hajj flight slots for Nigerian airlines. The review follows a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima and involved a meeting with the National Hajj Commission chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, and Hajj airline operators.
Keyamo said the goal is to negotiate a larger quota for Nigerian flag carriers while ensuring pilgrims receive fair and respectful treatment. A joint technical team has been tasked with examining both agreements to enable diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities. The 1978 BASA governs air services between the two countries, and the 2015 MOU outlines how responsibility for transporting Nigerian pilgrims is shared.
Increasing the slot allocation could allow more pilgrims to travel on locally operated flights, potentially reducing reliance on foreign carriers and lowering costs for intending pilgrims. However, the ministry did not specify a timeline for the review’s completion or any immediate changes to existing arrangements.
Will a larger Hajj slot quota for Nigerian airlines make pilgrimage more affordable for you, or encourage you to choose local carriers for your next journey to the Holy Land?