Nigeria, Singapore to commence direct air services

By The Citizen

Nigeria and Singapore have agreed to commence direct air services in order to boost trade and investment between both countries.

The deal was reached at a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and the Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. S. Iswaran, on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Singapore Business and Investment Forum in Singapore.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Corporate Communications, Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, on Monday, Aganga said that direct air services between both nations would provide a good foundation for unrestricted business movement and growth, in addition to a mutually favourable trade and investment relationship

The Singaporean Minister on his part said that 'Once we open up the links, the people will follow and businesses too. Nigeria is a large country in its region and there are a lot of opportunities. Singapore is also an important gateway in this region. If we explore these advantages, the two countries will be better for it.'

Already, he said arrangements had been concluded to have direct flights to Singapore from Nigeria, noting that Ethiopian Airlines would commence direct flights from Nigeria to his country this December.

At the forum, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Enterprise International Singapore Board in key areas of collaboration in the growth sectors of the economy; sharing information and best practices; mutual support in business missions and capacity development facilitation.

The agreement also covers medical tourism, capacity development, skills acquisition and enterprise development.

Both countries have also agreed to work towards investment guarantee and a fair taxation regime.