    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 51 (Monday, December 27, 1999)]
    [Pages 2655-2656]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Lifting the Ban on Direct Flights Between the United States
    and Nigeria

    December 22, 1999

        Earlier today, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater announced
    that the United

    [[Page 2656]]

    States is lifting our ban on direct flights to Murtala Muhammed Airport
    in Lagos,
    Nigeria.
        I congratulate President Obasanjo and his government for taking the
    steps necessary to remove this ban, including the overhauling of
    Nigeria's airport security system. These important reforms provided one
    more indication of the Nigerian administration's commitment to good
    governance. They offer new evidence that Nigeria is reversing the damage
    that years of corruption and mismanagement inflicted upon its
    international reputation.
        I am deeply gratified to see a government chosen by the Nigerian
    people earning the trust and respect of the world. I look forward to
    strengthening our partnership with Nigeria even further over the coming
    year.

    Note: In his statement, the President referred to President Olusegun
    Obasanjo of Nigeria.