The Fifteenth International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Its Benefits to Nigeria.

by Hassan Tai  Ejibunu

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialized Agency of the United Nations (UN), that regulates issues concerning civil aviation globally, holds an annual event known as the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN), which is the global Aviation’s premiere air services negotiation event.

This year’s event was held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 3rd to 7th December, 2023.

The ICAN Event provides countries and participants with the opportunity to learn about current trends and issues and exchange experiences with respect to civil aviation.  It is also an opportunity for countries to review and negotiate new agreements on matters relating to air services on direct flight connectivity between them for the purpose of promoting commerce, trade, and tourism.

In line with the objectives of ICAN, Nigeria met with sixteen countries with a view to signing new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), review subsisting BASAs Memoradum of Understandings (MoUs) taking into consideration current realities, and initiate new Air Services Agreement (ASA).

The Nigerian delegation to ICAN2023 was led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr.  Festus Keyamo, . In the delegation were officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), representatives of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) and three domestic carriers in Nigeria- Air Peace, Arik Air and Max Air.

Three major events were of utmost significance to the growth and development of the aviation sector in Nigeria. First was the signing of the BASA between Nigeria and the State of Kuwait. The BASA provides for direct air link between the oil rich State of Kuwait which comes up with numerous opportunities to the mutual benefits of both countries. Principally, the signing of the BASA would propel the implementation of the development strides being envisaged in the aviation sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Secondly, the meeting with the Honourable Minister with the President of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) where discussions centered on how to make the 2024 Hajj operations seamless in terms of airlift of pilgrims and their welfare in the KSA. The meeting agreed on the constitution of a Committee that will be meeting through virtual means, on weekly basis, to review the preparations being on Hajj operation, Umrah inclusive, by Nigeria.  The Honourable Minister at the meeting was able to secure more slots for Nigerian appointed airlines for pilgrims airlift to the Holy Land of Makkah and Medina. This is a positive development in favour of Nigerian carriers that would be involved in the airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to the KSA

Thirdly, the meeting of the Honourable Minister with his counterpart from the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Anthony Derjacques, was a success in diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Seychelles going by recent development in which the Republic of Seychelles placed a ban on Nigerian passport holders from travelling to the country for tourism. The meeting agreed to put mechanisms in place for the operationalisation of the BASA signed by both countries at the  2022 ICAN Event which held in Abuja, Nigeria. Focal officers were appointed to drive the process. In addition, both countries agreed to ensure that proper checks were put in place to deter persons without genuine reasons to visit the island country known for tourism and her aquatic splendor.

The Nigerian Aeronautical Authorities also met with their counterparts from other countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, State of Qatar, Mozambique, Czechia, Oman, Islamic Republic of Iran, Algeria, The Netherlands, South Korea and Ethiopia to discuss matters that borders on the implementation of their subsisting BASAs/MoUs and other critical issues that were considered germane towards strengthening their relations in civil aviation.

The ICAN2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was attended by 97 countries, 713 participants and had 579 meetings, provided Nigeria with the opportunity to further her interest with respect to the implementation of her air services agreements with other countries of the World.  This of course and other steps being undertaken by the Honourable Minister of Aviation are expected to impact  positively on the aviation industry in the country in months to come.

Hassan Tai  Ejibunu, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development