Nigeria’s Federal Government has officially handed over the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited, marking a new phase of cooperation between both countries in the aviation sector.
The permit was presented at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, who was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Ahmed Mohammed. Kana said the initiative would improve operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania, while also promoting international best practices in the industry.
“The presentation of the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit to Air Tanzania Company Limited is a significant step in our joint efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence. We are confident that this initiative will yield positive results for both nations,” Kana stated.
He noted that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to strengthen regional integration and improve connectivity across Africa. Kana assured Air Tanzania that Nigeria is ready to provide the necessary support to enable smooth operations in the country. He also advised the airline’s officials to work closely with all relevant agencies in the ministry to address any operational needs.
The Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Yinka Iriobe, also welcomed the development, expressing hope that Air Tanzania will commence operations in Nigeria soon. She emphasised that the Nigerian aviation sector has significant potential to grow and attract more regional and international carriers.
Mrs. Iriobe disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Tanzania will soon be signed at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The MoU will require Air Tanzania to upload passenger data into NCAA’s AVITECH portal. She explained that the FCOP is the key authorisation the airline needs to start operations into and out of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of Tanzania, the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its cooperation. He described Nigeria as the “gateway to prosperity for Africa” and stressed the importance of regional flight connections in driving trade, tourism, and economic growth.
“The movement of people, goods, and services in Africa has suffered setbacks due to a lack of regional connectivity. This partnership will help close that gap,” Ambassador Kakele said.
He confirmed that Air Tanzania is prepared to start scheduled direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Lagos, Nigeria, following the completion of key regulatory approvals from the NCAA. According to him, the NCAA issued a Document of Authorisation, Condition, and Limitation to Air Tanzania after conducting a thorough base inspection in Tanzania.
The envoy added that the airline has also received approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures. However, he appealed for office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and residence permits for the airline’s staff to help facilitate operations.
Industry experts say this development could increase flight options between East and West Africa, benefiting business travellers, tourists, and cargo operators. The move is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for African aviation, in line with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agenda aimed at improving intra-African air connectivity.
With Air Tanzania set to join other African carriers operating into Nigeria, analysts believe competition could also help improve service quality and potentially lead to more affordable fares for passengers. The airline is already known for its growing regional network and operates a modern fleet including Airbus A220 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
Aviation stakeholders in both countries are optimistic that the partnership will create more economic opportunities, increase trade, and boost tourism between Nigeria and Tanzania, while also fostering stronger diplomatic ties.
