The Nigerian government has granted Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) a foreign carrier operation permit (FCOP), allowing the airline to operate direct flights to Lagos.
The presentation took place in Abuja on Tuesday, with Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Ahmed Mohammed. Kana explained that the FCOP will standardize procedures, streamline interactions, and align ATCL’s operations with international best practices.
“The issuance of the FCOP is a significant step in promoting aviation cooperation and excellence,” Kana said. “We are confident this initiative will benefit both nations.” He added that the move supports President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to strengthen regional integration and cooperation across West Africa.
Kana assured Air Tanzania officials that Nigeria is ready to provide the necessary support and encouraged coordination with relevant agencies within the ministry.
Yinka Iriobe, Director of Air Traffic Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), welcomed ATCL to the Nigerian market and highlighted the country’s aviation potential. She noted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Tanzania would be signed at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The MoU requires ATCL to upload passenger data to the NCAA’s AVITECH portal, with the FCOP serving as formal authorization to begin operations.
Selestine Gervas Kakele, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, describing Nigeria as “the gateway to prosperity for all African nations.” Kakele emphasized that the partnership will enhance regional connectivity, particularly between Dar es Salaam and Lagos.
ATCL plans to launch scheduled direct flights after completing NCAA’s regulatory requirements, including the issuance of a Document of Authorization, Conditions, and Limitations (DACL) following a thorough base inspection in Tanzania.
The airline has also secured approval for its local security operations, requested office space at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and applied for residence permits for its staff.
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