The Federal government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Aviation and
Aerospace, has given its commitment to support the Nigerian airline.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, who was
represented by the Director of Air Transport Management of the Ministry, Hassan
Ejibunu, disclosed this at a reception organized by the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda to celebrate the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and the
Caribbean country, by Air Peace Airline recently.
A statement signed by the ministry’s Head Press, Public Relations Official,
Oluseyi Odutayo, disclosed that the Federal Government continued to initiate and
implement policies that ensured Nigeria’s airlines benefit from the Bilateral Air
Services Agreement signed by Nigeria with other countries.
It added, “Meribole commended Air Peace for the historic feat and yet another
milestone recorded for both countries which were known to be bound by common
ancestries.”
He added that “the journey would further strengthen the relationship of both
countries in the areas of commerce, trade, and tourism while acknowledging the
Federal Government of Nigeria and the Antiguan and Barbudan authorities for
approving the designation of Air Peace by the Nigerian Aeronautical Authorities to
fly the Nigerian-Antiguan route.”
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne in his remarks said, it
was a new dawn for the relationship between Nigeria and Antigua.
He emphasized the ancestral linkage between the Caribbean nations and Africa,
which he referred to as the Motherland.
He said Antigua and Barbuda was home to every African and his government was
desirous of promoting economic and bilateral ties with African nations within the
context of the South-South cooperation.
He urged members of the business community from Nigeria and potential
investors, to take advantage of the favourable economic policy of his government
to invest in Antigua and Barbuda.
“The airline on commencement of operations would operate within the entire
Caribbean thus making air connectivity between Africa, the entire Caribbean
countries, and America stress-free,” he added.
Speaking earlier, a representative of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Director of Economics, Trade, and Investment – Bolaji Akinremi said, the
development had signposted the beginning of a newfound relationship between
Antigua and Barbuda as well as the entire Caribbean countries.
He added that the air connectivity was in sync with the foreign policy of President
Bola Tinubu to integrate the economy of African nations. Akinremi further said,
“Caribbean countries were considered as an integral part of Africa as the fifth
bloc.”
