The Federal Government on Tuesday officially presented license of operation as a foreign carrier to Air Tanzania Company Limited.
The presentation took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja.
According to statement the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, represented by Ahmed Mohammed, said the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between both countries.
The permanent secretary, represented by Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, in a statement signed by Nwagwu Daniel, for the Head of Press and Public Affairs, assured that FCOP will standardise procedures, ensure seamless interactions, and align operation.
“The presentation of FCOP to Air Tanzania Company Limited is a significant step in our efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence, we are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations,” he said.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government’s efforts to promote regional integration and cooperation in West Africa and beyond.
He assured Air Tanzania officials of Nigeria’s readiness to provide all they need to operate, and instructed them to liaise with all the agencies in the ministry to meet their needs.
Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, revealed that the two countries would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.
The MoU would require ATCL to upload all passenger information into the NCAA’s AVITECH portal.
Speaking at the event, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, describing Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.”
He emphasised that the planned flight link would boost regional connectivity, which has long been hindered by inadequate direct routes.
According to the High Commissioner, ATCL received the FCOP after fulfilling key NCAA requirements, including a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania, approval of its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP), and issuance of a Document of Authorization, Conditions, and Limitations (DACL).
He also requested office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and residence permits for the airline’s staff.
He added that ATCL is about to unveil scheduled direct flights on the route, following the successful completion of the NCAA’s regulatory requirements, including the issuance of a Document of Authorisation, Conditions, and Limitations (DACL) after a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania.
The airline has also secured approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP) and requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as well as residence permits for its staff.
