Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced on Monday that cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will restart soon.
He made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja to mark President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.
Keyamo mentioned that the decision was made after his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with the Saudi Minister of Aviation.
“I have good news from Saudi Arabia,” Keyamo said. “I met with my counterpart there, and we agreed to resume cargo flights.”
He pointed out that these flights had been on hold for a long time, but the new agreement will help boost trade and logistics between the two countries.
Keyamo also discussed the issue of foreign airlines’ funds that were stuck in Nigeria.
This issue has now been resolved, allowing Emirates Airlines to return to Nigeria.
Emirates announced on May 16, 2024, that it will start flying to Nigerian airports again on October 1, 2024, after a two-year break.
The flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, with journeys from Dubai to Lagos and back.