The Tanzanian government has announced its commitment to review its visa system, aiming to facilitate travel for Nigerians, particularly those utilizing the newly launched direct flights by Air Tanzania from Lagos to Dar es Salaam. This significant development was disclosed by Professor Godius Kahyararara, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Transport, during the inauguration of Air Tanzania's direct service. The decision to establish direct flights to Lagos is a strategic move to enhance connectivity across the African continent.

Professor Kahyararara assured that substantial adjustments to the visa system would be implemented within a week. He emphasized that these changes, already discussed with Nigerian and Tanzanian counterparts, are crucial to maximize the mutual benefits of the direct flight route. He noted that Nigerian tourists, who frequently choose Zanzibar as a destination, often experience extended travel times due to layovers in cities like Addis Ababa or Nairobi. With the new direct service, travel to Tanzania will be significantly reduced, taking less than five hours.

Further underscoring the importance of this new connection, Selestine Kakele, Tanzania's Ambassador to Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria's status as a major African economy. Ambassador Kakele stated that the direct air transport services offer a tremendous opportunity to open up Tanzania, thereby strengthening trade, investment, and fostering stronger people-to-people relationships between the two nations.

Eng. Peter Ulanga, CEO of Air Tanzania, extended an invitation to Nigerian travelers to explore Tanzania's diverse, world-class attractions, ranging from the iconic Serengeti and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. While celebrating Nigeria's vibrant energy, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit, Eng. Ulanga also revealed plans to expand cargo freighter operations, which will offer a capacity of 54 tons. This expansion is expected to create new trade avenues, facilitating commerce from Nigerian yams to Tanzanian coffee, thus fueling prosperity for both countries.

With the inclusion of Lagos in its network, Air Tanzania now connects to an impressive 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including key cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou. This new route, serviced by three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and return flights from Lagos (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), represents more than just a timetable; it symbolizes a rhythm of progress and a shared destiny, opening the skies for greater business, tourism, and cultural exchange.