This bilateral agreement, provisionally applied since 2000, aims to modernize civil aviation ties and align with the US Open Skies international aviation policy. The agreement emphasizes high standards of aviation safety and security and seeks to liberalize the international civil aviation sector in Africa. This move is expected to strengthen economic and commercial partnerships, enhance people-to-people connections, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.

The announcement was made by the Public Diplomacy Department of the US Mission in Nigeria, today, Friday in Abuja. According to the mission, this agreement marks a progressive step in liberalizing the civil aviation industry in Africa.

By aligning with the US Open Skies policy, the agreement promotes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities. These provisions are designed to make air travel more affordable, convenient, and efficient for travelers and shippers alike, thus boosting tourism and commerce.

The US Open Skies policy is a hallmark of international aviation agreements, aiming to minimize government interference in commercial airline decisions about routes, capacity, and pricing. The new agreement with Nigeria incorporates these principles, offering unrestricted capacity and frequency of flights, open route rights, and liberal charter regimes. Also, it includes provisions for open code-sharing opportunities, allowing airlines to partner more easily and offer more flexible travel options to consumers.

This agreement is expected to significantly enhance the economic and commercial ties between the United States and Nigeria. By enabling more efficient and cost-effective air services, it paves the way for increased tourism and business travel, which can stimulate economic growth in both countries. Airlines and travel companies stand to benefit from new market opportunities, while consumers can enjoy greater choice and potentially lower fares.

The announcement of the Air Transport Agreement follows a