FIJ
The Agency for the Safety of Navigation, Niger Republic, has restricted flights originating in or coming to Nigeria from flying over the country’s airspace.
A statement from the agency seen on X on Monday and dated February 6 states that all national and international flights are permitted to fly within the country’s airspace except those going to or coming from Nigeria.
“The airspace of the Republic of Niger is opened to all national and international flights from ground to unlimited except for Nigerian flights to or from Nigeria,” the statement reads.
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Niger’s letter announcing the ban.
“These restrictions don’t affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerian airspace without landing there. However, it is recalled that ADS-B and/or RADAR transponders must remain on for any flight taking place in the Niger Republic airspace.
“On the other hand, the Niger Republic still remains close for al military, operational and other special flights. These military or special flights are only permitted subject to prior authorization from the competent authorities. This circular only concerns Niger and Nigeria, does not repeal no NOTAM in force.”
This restriction seems to be in response to Nigeria’s earlier ban on flights from Niger. On February 6, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), acting through Abdullahi Musa, its director of public affairs and consumer protection, announced that all flights from the West African nation would be prohibited, with the exception of emergency flights.
The day following Nigeria’s decision, the flight carrying Svenja Schulze, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, from Nigeria to Europe after a meeting with Nigerian authorities was flagged in Niger, effectively preventing him from passing through the territory. He had to return to Abuja to re-route.
