The Federal Government has officially issued a Foreign Carrier Operation Permit to Air Tanzania Company Limited, paving the way for the airline to begin direct flights between Tanzania and Nigeria.
The permit was presented during a ceremony at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, represented by Ahmed Mohammed, stated that the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector.
“The Federal Government has presented the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit to Air Tanzania Company Limited at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja,” the statement read.
Kana explained that the FCOP will standardize procedures, ensuring seamless collaboration between Nigerian and Tanzanian aviation stakeholders in line with international best practices.
“The presentation of the FCOP to Air Tanzania is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for regional integration in West Africa. He assured Air Tanzania of Nigeria’s full support and encouraged the airline to engage with relevant agencies to facilitate smooth operations.
Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, expressed optimism about ATCL’s entry into the Nigerian market, noting its potential to boost aviation development. She disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding between both countries would soon be signed at NCAA’s Abuja office.
“The MoU will require ATCL to upload all passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal. The FCOP is the authorization ATCL needs to commence operations into and out of Nigeria,” Iriobe said.
The Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, praised the Nigerian government for its cooperation, describing Nigeria as a “gateway to prosperity for all African nations.” He highlighted the importance of direct flights in improving regional connectivity for passengers, trade, and services.
Kakele confirmed that ATCL is prepared to launch scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos after successfully passing NCAA inspections in Tanzania. The airline has also secured approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures and requested office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, along with residence permits for its staff.
