The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the ratification of an air transport agreement between Nigeria and the United States (U.S.).
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, made this known to State House Correspondents yesterday after the 10th virtual FEC meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Minister who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, explained that the bilateral air transport deal is to strengthen economic, social and cultural ties between Nigeria and the U.S.
“The Aviation Minister presented a memo today (Wednesday) on the approval for ratification of the air transport agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States of America.
“The minister sought council’s approval for ratification of the air transport agreement between USA and Nigeria.
“You will recall that both United States and Nigeria are parties to the Chicago Convention on the 7th of December 1994. Article 6 of the convention actually urges parties to sign air services agreement with member states to improve social, political and economic ties.
“The US has ratified its own and Mr President and council graciously accepted today to also ratify this agreement. So, today, Mr President signed a valid agreement of Air transport service between Nigeria and the US with the attendant benefits for both countries, especially as Nigeria is working towards having its own full national airline.
“So, we will now take advantage of this air transport bilateral agreement to strengthen economic, social and cultural ties between the two countries,” he said.