The Federal Government has begun reviewing the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to help Nigerian airlines secure more slots to transport pilgrims during Hajj.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with key stakeholders on Nigeria’s Hajj aviation plans.

Keyamo said the meeting followed a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima on preparations for the forthcoming Hajj.

“Following a directive from the Vice President, H.E. Kashim Shettima (GCON), regarding the forthcoming Hajj operation, yesterday I convened a meeting in my office with the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adamu Kambari in attendance,” the minister said.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; and operators of airlines involved in Hajj flights.

According to Keyamo, the meeting focused on finding ways to increase the number of Nigerian pilgrims that local airlines can transport during the Hajj.

“We discussed ways by which we can negotiate more quota of pilgrims to be airlifted by our flag carriers for Hajj operations whilst ensuring Nigerian pilgrims are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve,” he said.

The minister added that a joint technical team had been assigned to review the 1978 BASA and a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“A joint technical team has now been tasked with reviewing the 1978 BASA and 2015 MOU so we can diplomatically engage with Saudi authorities,” Keyamo said.

The 1978 BASA provides the framework for air services between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while the 2015 MOU contains arrangements for sharing the annual responsibility of transporting Nigerian pilgrims by air.