Uganda Airlines new route to Nigeria to boost relations between the two countries

The direct flight to Nigeria means that the 10-hour flight has been reduced to three and a half hours as a result of the new direct flight.

According to media reports, while speaking during the launch of the new route, the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocherger, expressed joy over the inaugural flight of Uganda Airlines to Lagos, saying the approval by the Nigerian government would open a vista of business opportunities for both nations.

He further stated that the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) exists on reciprocity, adding that his country awaits when Nigerian carriers will commence services to Uganda.

“The importance of air transport underscores the promotion of trade and investment, and it gives Africa the opportunity to leverage all African Union (AU) agendas. We thank the Nigerian government for the necessary approval needed to do this operation.”

“The importance of air transportation is that it remains the most veritable means of connecting the people of Africa and enhancing trade. Air transportation will do well in Africa with its population of over 1.37 billion, and I urge African nations to leverage the opportunity of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) to attain the 2065 Africa Agenda.”

Ocherger disclosed that his country, through the Uganda Civil Aviation Academy, has entered into a partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to train Ugandan pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals.

“There are ongoing efforts to promote technical cooperation and collaboration between the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy (EACAA), located in Soroti, Uganda, as well as the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),” he said.