Nigeria has officially granted the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), marking a major milestone in aviation cooperation between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja, brought together top government officials, aviation regulators, and Air Tanzania executives.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, represented by Ahmed Tijani Mohammed, said the permit would boost operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between the two nations’ aviation sectors. He explained that the FCOP would standardize procedures, align operations with global best practices, and foster seamless interaction among stakeholders.
“This presentation is a significant step in our efforts to promote aviation cooperation and excellence,” Kana said. “We are confident that this initiative will yield positive outcomes for both nations.”
Kana added that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision of fostering regional integration and strengthening ties beyond West Africa. He assured Air Tanzania of Nigeria’s readiness to support its operations and directed the airline to liaise with all relevant agencies to address any operational requirements.
Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Yinka Babaoye Iriobe, welcomed Air Tanzania’s entry into the Nigerian market and announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would soon be signed at NCAA headquarters. The MoU will require Air Tanzania to upload all passenger data into the NCAA’s AVITECH portal, with the FCOP serving as the formal authorization for its operations in Nigeria.
United Republic of Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Selestine Gervas Kakele, commended the Nigerian government’s role in strengthening bilateral ties. Describing Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations,” he said poor regional connectivity had long hindered the movement of people, goods, and services, and expressed optimism that this partnership would bridge that gap.
Following the successful completion of NCAA’s rigorous regulatory requirements, including a base inspection in Tanzania, Air Tanzania has received approval for its Local Security Operation Procedures (LSOP) and is preparing to launch direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos. The airline has also requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and residence permits for its staff.
The ceremony was attended by ministry directors, NCAA officials, and senior representatives of Air Tanzania, including Ground Handling Manager Edward Nkwabi and Project Coordinator Modester Mwanjala.
The issuance of the FCOP is expected to open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Tanzania, contributing to Africa’s broader goal of regional integration and enhanced connectivity.
