The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans for the resumption of 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).
“I have good news for you from Saudi Arabia. I met my counterpart in Saudi Arabia and we have agreed to resume cargo flights,” Keyamo stated, referring to the outcome of his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. He noted that these flights had been suspended for an extended period but will now resume, enhancing trade and logistical connections between the two countries.
Additionally, Keyamo addressed the issue of foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria. He announced that the Federal Government has cleared the longstanding backlog of trapped funds for foreign airlines, facilitating the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies. Emirates Airlines announced on May 16, 2024, that it would recommence flights to Nigerian airports starting from October 1, 2024, after a prolonged hiatus.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier stated that the Federal Government had concluded the payment of all verified claims by foreign airlines, including an additional $64.44 million paid in January. This brought the total verified amount paid to the air transport sector to $136.73 million, ensuring that all verified airline claims were cleared.
