Respect for BASA informed action on British Airways – FG

Respect for BASA informed action on British Airways – FG

Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah says the controversy over the reduction of British Airways slots into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is not about Arik Air but the fair and equitable treatment of all Nigerian flag carriers in line with Bilateral Air Services agreements (BASA).

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Joe Obi, in a statement on Sunday, the minister lashed out at those kicking against the ministry’s decision on the British carrier, describing them as mischievous.

BASA agreement

According to her, in view of the BASA agreement between Nigeria and Britain, it has become binding on the British government to comply with every part of it religiously.

She said “It has become imperative to make certain clarifications as the issues are currently being muddled up for various inexplicable reasons, some certainly bordering on the selfish interest and agenda of those making the insinuations and nuanced interpretations.”

While the Honourable Minister of Aviation maintains that Arik Air, a Nigerian flag carrier has not been fairly treated by the sudden denial of its slots from Abuja into London Heathrow, the main issue at stake here is not about Arik Air but about the need to respect the spirit and letter of BASA Agreement which is predicated on the principles of equity, fairness and reciprocity.

Meanwhile, a team sent by the British government to discuss the issue of lopsided Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) raised by Nigeria, as regards Arik Air allegations that it was prevented from obtaining slots for its flight operations between Abuja and London, arrived in Nigeria on Sunday – a day to the expiration of the deadline.

The Nigerian Government had on Tuesday, November 8 reduced BA flights frequencies from London Heathrow to Lagos from seven to three times a week but later extended it by one week which will now come into effect on Tuesday.

NP/Adekusibe/Ekata