By Busari Kabirat
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the commercial flights suspension between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, sticked to a resolution by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Following the political issue in Niger Republic, when General Abdourrahamane Tchiani led a military coup to overthrow the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
On February 2, 2024, Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was sent in an issued letter stating the continuation of flight suspension, titled “ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria,” from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) signed by Tayo John, the Director of Air Traffic Services, on behalf of the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive.
The letter stated: “In accordance with ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or from any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.”
Letter stated, “By ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.
“These restrictions do not affect: overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; aircraft in a state of emergency and special flights.”
