Aviation stakeholders are warning that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger may close their airspace against flights originating from Nigeria.
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This comes after the three countries officially resigned from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing marginalisation by Nigeria’s President, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Bloc.
If the countries follow through with their threats to withdraw from ECOWAS, it could have a significant adverse effect on Nigeria’s economy, as these three countries represent about 50 percent of ECOWAS airspace.
Flights from Nigeria would have to take longer routes to avoid these countries, resulting in increased costs for both scheduled and private flights.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has already faced sanctions from Niger Republic, which prohibit flights from Nigeria from landing in Niger unless specially approved by the National Security Adviser.
If these three countries close their airspace, it would also disrupt trade and diplomatic protocols within the ECOWAS community, potentially impacting goods produced in Nigeria and sold across the region.
Stakeholders suggest that Nigeria should review its relationship with France, as the citizens of these three countries perceive France as an enemy.
In the words of Former Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Matthew Pwajok the challenge Nigeria would face is that “if they decide to close their airspace against flights from and to Nigeria it will adversely affect our Europe-bound flights, which usually fly through Niger and this will be a serious challenge both for the airlines and for aviation agencies, especially NAMA. Flights from southern Africa fly though Nigeria and we generate revenue from over flier charges, but if they close their airspace, these flights won’t be flying through our own airspace to connect to theirs and to Europe”.
Additionally, Nigeria should engage in one-on-one diplomatic meetings with each country to secure their interests with Nigeria and protect bilateral relations.
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