BY PETER USMAN

The Venezuelan government has announced plans to establish a direct flight route between its capital, Caracas, and Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing bilateral business relations, was disclosed by the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Alberto Castellar Padilla, during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.

Ambassador Padilla said the direct flights would boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations, which he noted share a strong commitment to expanding economic and diplomatic ties. Both countries, he emphasized, are members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and have pledged to collaborate beyond the energy sector.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant, Emameh Gabriel, the ambassador recalled that both nations signed an agreement in 2022 for direct air services and Venezuela is now ready to activate the arrangement.

“We held a bilateral joint commission with Nigeria, and we seek to renew our relationship, particularly in the aviation sector,” Padilla said. “Our government has worked diligently, and we are ready to commence direct flights to either Abuja or Lagos. This milestone aligns with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our countries.”

He noted that Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA, is fully prepared to begin operations, pending Nigeria’s approval.

In response, Minister Keyamo welcomed the development and announced the formation of a joint committee involving officials from the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to fast-track the approval process.

“This is a mutually beneficial initiative,” Keyamo said. “It will eliminate the inconvenience of transiting through distant hubs like Dubai or Doha. A direct flight from Nigeria to Venezuela would take about seven hours—significantly shorter than current alternatives.”

The new route is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement, further cementing six decades of cooperation between the two nations.