Mathew Amaechi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed support for XEJet’s initiative to establish direct flights between the two nations. This development follows Namibia’s recent outreach to partner with Nigerian airlines to restore direct air links.
During a meeting in Abuja, Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, highlighted the historical significance of Air Namibia’s past operations, which connected Lagos to Accra and facilitated travel between Namibia and Nigeria. He noted that since Air Namibia ceased operations due to financial challenges, travelers have faced inconveniences, often transiting through Addis Ababa to reach their destinations. Ambassador Geiseb emphasized Namibia’s eagerness to collaborate with Nigerian carriers, mentioning ongoing discussions with Air Peace and encouraging further engagements with domestic airlines.
Keyamo responded positively, sharing insights from his experiences in establishing regional flight routes. He underscored the Nigerian government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector initiatives in the aviation industry. This stance aligns with his recent inauguration of XEJet’s $10 million Flight Support and Engineering Hub at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The facility aims to elevate aviation services in Nigeria to global standards, reflecting a broader strategy to position the country as a central hub for aviation services in the region.
The collaboration between Namibia and Nigerian airlines like XEJet is anticipated to streamline travel, boost tourism, and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. As discussions progress, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential benefits of direct flight operations, marking a significant milestone in African aviation connectivity.
