The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr Emmanuel Meribole revealed the plan at a reception organised by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to celebrate the commencement of the  direct flights between Nigeria and the Caribbean country in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Mr Meribole who was represented by the Director, Air Transport Management Department of the Ministry, Mr. Hassan, said the Federal Government will continue to support domestic Airlines and  implement policies that ensure they benefit from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by Nigeria with other countries.

“I believe  this journey would further strengthen the relationship of both countries in the areas of commerce, trade, and tourism,” he said, while acknowledging the Federal Government of Nigeria and those of Antigua and Barbudan authorities for approving the designation of Air Peace  by the Nigerian Aeronautical Authorities to fly the Nigerian-Antiguan route.

The Managing Director of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyeama expressed satisfaction and confidence that the Airline is ready for the task.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Gatson Browne in his remarks said “it’s a new dawn for the relationship between Nigeria and Antigua.”

He emphasized on the ancestral linkage between the Caribbean nations and Africa, which he referred to as the Motherland.

“I call  on members of the business community from Nigeria and potential investors to take advantage of the favorable economic policy of his government to invest in Antigua and Barbuda.”
The Prime Minister further revealed that the country was on a collaboration with Air Peace to float an airline known as LIAT 2020 which would commence flight operations soon, which will also  operate in the entire Carribean countries thus making air connectivity between Africa, the entire Carribean countries and America stress-free.

While speaking earlier, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment said the development had signposted the beginning of a new economic relationship between Antigua and Barbuda as well as the entire Carribean countries.

He emphasized that  the air connectivity was in sync with the Foreign policy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in  integrating the economy of Africa nations.

Ambassador Akinremi promised that Foreign Affairs Ministry  would continue to foster the new found relationship by promoting bilateral meetings between the business communities of both countries.
The event had in attendance, members of the business community from Nigeria and top government officials from the Republic of Antigua and Barbuda.

Source: VON