Nigeria’s leading indigenous airline, Air Peace, has issued a ten-day ultimatum to Cote D’Ivoire to grant it access to operate in the country or face the consequences of its next line of action. The ultimatum was issued by the Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Mr Allen Oyeama, who condemned the unhealthy, evil, and unacceptable practice of denying Nigeria carriers access to other African countries, especially West African countries.
Mr Oyeama stated that Nigeria has opened its aviation sector to almost free access to African countries, but other African countries have refused to reciprocate, thereby violating the principle of reciprocity contained in the bilateral air services agreements (BASAs) they signed. He cited the actions by Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin Republic as examples of the violation.
He urged African countries to activate the spirit of Pan Africanism and not engage in unfair business practices. According to him, the sky is too big for African airlines to fight, and Nigeria is the best market for them. He also emphasized that Nigeria airlines are not against open skies, but the implementation must be fair to all concerned.
He also complained about the unfair billing practices by the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). He stated that Nigeria lacks nationalism, which is why other countries take advantage of her.
Air Peace is giving Cote D’Ivoire ten days maximum, starting from April 18th, 2023, to grant it access or face the consequences of its next line of action. Mr Oyeama stated that whoever knows Cote D’Ivoire should tell them, and any other Nigerian who wants to go there must go there.
Air Peace’s ultimatum to Cote D’Ivoire is a significant move that challenges the unhealthy and unfair practice of denying Nigeria carriers access to other African countries. The spirit of Pan Africanism and the principle of reciprocity contained in the bilateral air services agreements (BASAs) must be activated to promote a fair and healthy aviation sector in Africa.