Nigeria, June 19 -- The federal government has approved several international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including services to New York, Dubai and Canada, in what authorities describe as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigerian carriers and increase their share of international passenger traffic.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft by the airline.

According to Mr Keyamo, the route approvals form part of ongoing efforts to reposition domestic airlines to compete more effectively on international routes, traditionally dominated by foreign operators.

"We are giving United Nigeria Ai...