Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has commenced its second daily flight to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria. This significant inaugural ceremony was well-attended by key stakeholders in the aviation sector and prominent representatives from the Nigerian federal government, notably Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

During his address, Dr. Kana extended a warm welcome to Ethiopian Airlines’ increased frequency in Lagos, commending the airline for its unwavering steadfastness and enduring commitment to Nigeria. He highlighted the federal government’s deep appreciation for the airline’s consistent provision of flight services, transporting both passengers and goods to Nigeria over many years, dating back to the nation’s independence.

Dr. Kana's speech underscored a robust and integral partnership between Nigeria and Ethiopian Airlines. He explicitly stated the government’s perspective, declaring, “Ethiopian Airlines is our airline, it’s Nigerian airline, as a government, we see Ethiopia as part of Nigeria and we see Nigeria as part of Ethiopia.” This profound view has led the Ministry to readily grant any requests for increased frequencies. Currently, the airline operates 14 flights per week into and out of Lagos, with Dr. Kana expressing a desire for even more.

A core aspiration for Nigeria, as articulated by the Permanent Secretary, is to transform Lagos into a major aviation hub for West Africa, akin to Addis Ababa. Dr. Kana expressed confidence that Lagos would soon become a pivotal hub for numerous airlines, enabling Ethiopian Airlines to further expand its operations. This vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of establishing Lagos as Africa’s capital for business and commerce, a goal significantly achievable through advancements in aviation and aerospace activities.

Furthermore, Dr. Kana recognized Ethiopian Airlines’ critical support during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, noting that while many airlines suspended services to Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines continued to operate, delivering essential products and equipment. He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Aviation’s commitment to providing all necessary support and fulfilling any requests from Ethiopian Airlines, solidifying the strong collaborative spirit between the airline and the Nigerian government.