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Niger Announces Creation of National Airline and CSS Carrier After Withdrawal from ECOWAS

Oluwasegun SanusiFebruary 3, 20251 Mins read61

Nigerien government has announced plans to establish two new airlines, a national carrier and another dedicated to the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), in collaboration with Burkina Faso and Mali. This move follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It aligns with efforts to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation within the CSS member states.

This announcement was made by Niger’s Minister of Transport and Equipment, Colonel Major Salissou Mahaman Salissou, who emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative.

Our country is very vast, and we have instructed the National Agency for Civil Aviation (ANAC) to relax certain legal provisions in order to facilitate the establishment of these companies, he stated on February 2.

Niger currently has no national airline, making this project crucial for strengthening local infrastructure and improving internal transport solutions. The minister also highlighted that the airline would play a key role in supporting agriculture, forestry, and livestock industries by facilitating the transport of goods.

Niger is also prioritising the creation of a regional airline for the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS)—a political and economic bloc formed by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This airline, envisioned as a flagship carrier for the recently established CSS alliance, aims to enhance connectivity between the three nations and reduce reliance on European carriers.

In addition to boosting regional integration and economic growth, the new airlines are expected to create job opportunities in the transport sector. To accelerate the launch of both airlines, the government has set up a special committee to simplify administrative procedures and fast-track the necessary certifications.

ANAC has also introduced an online system to expedite overflight and landing authorisations, making it easier for the new airlines to begin operations.

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