The Federal Government has issued the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).

The development paved the way for the airline to commence direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Lagos, Nigeria.

The presentation ceremony took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, described the move as a strategic step to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania in the aviation sector.

Represented by Mr Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, he explained that the FCOP would help standardise procedures, ensure seamless interactions, and align operations with international best practices.

?This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s administration to strengthen regional integration and cooperation in West Africa and beyond,? he said.

He assured Air Tanzania of Nigeria?s readiness to support its operations.

Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, revealed that the two countries would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

The MoU would require ATCL to upload all passenger information into the NCAA?s AVITECH portal.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania?s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, describing Nigeria as ?the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.?

He emphasised that the planned flight link would boost regional connectivity, which has long been hindered by inadequate direct routes.

According to the High Commissioner, ATCL received the FCOP after fulfilling key NCAA requirements, including a rigorous base inspection in Tanzania, approval of its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP), and issuance of a Document of Authorization, Conditions, and Limitations (DACL).

He also requested office space at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and residence permits for the airline?s staff. (Daily Sun)

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