The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to resume cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the 3rd ministerial updates on Monday in Abuja, Keyamo highlighted this achievement as a result of collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Keyamo revealed that the decision was finalized during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with his Saudi counterpart. “I have good news for you from Saudi Arabia. I met my counterpart in Saudi Arabia, and we have agreed to resume cargo flights,” he stated.
The minister noted that these flights had been suspended for an extended period, but the new agreement will restore cargo services, enhancing trade and logistical connections between the two nations.
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In addition to this announcement, Keyamo addressed the issue of clearing foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria. He confirmed that the Federal Government has successfully cleared a longstanding backlog of these funds, which has facilitated the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.
Emirates announced on May 16, 2024, that it plans to recommence flights to Nigerian airports starting from October 1, 2024, after a prolonged absence.
The CBN had previously stated in January that the Federal Government had concluded the payment of all verified claims by foreign airlines, disbursing an additional $64.44 million to the concerned airlines.
This brought the total verified amount paid to the air transport sector to $136.73 million, effectively clearing all verified airline claims.
