NIGERIA: OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT IS PENDING IN

UNCLAS ABUJA 001012

SIPDIS


DEPT PLEASE PASS TO DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION: KEVIN SAMPLE


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT IS PENDING IN
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

REF: STATE 73932


EconOff spoke May 7 with Chief Owodu, Technical Assistant to
the Minister of Aviation, regarding Nigeria's progress on
bringing the bilateral air transport agreement ("Open Skies")
into force. According to Chief Owodu, Minister of Aviation
Kema Chikwe forwarded the agreement, along with the four
conventions and protocols detailed in reftel, to the Federal
Executive Council one month ago for approval. The Executive
Council, chaired by President Obasnajo, is the equivalent of
the U.S. Cabinet. Chief Owodu said he felt certain the
entire package of agreements would be approved by the
Executive Council soon after President Obasanjo returns from
his working visit to Washington. Once the agreement and
conventions are approved by the Executive Council, they will
be sent to the National Assembly for ratification.
Andrews