FG Eyes Full Action For Nigeria Air Before May 29

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of the national carrier, Nigeria Air, despite controversies surrounding its establishment.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this at the ongoing National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023 in Abuja on Thursday, stating that flight operations would commence before May 29, which marks the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

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According to Sirika, negotiations with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria are ongoing, and the next step is the approval of the Full Business Case by the Federal Executive Council. He added that local and international flight operations would begin soon.

“The operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” the Minister stated.

Sirika also highlighted the benefits of establishing a national carrier, including reducing capital flight from Nigeria, gaining the optimal advantage of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), and developing an aviation hub.

He added that the national carrier would contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), facilitate hospitality and tourism, facilitate growth and development of the Nigerian Agricultural Sector, and create jobs around the Agro-Cargo Terminals.

However, the establishment of Nigeria Air has faced opposition from domestic airlines, with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) filing a suit challenging the national carrier’s establishment. Ethiopian Airlines, which was selected as the preferred bidder to establish the airline, is set to become a majority shareholder with a 49% stake.

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Despite these controversies, the Nigerian government remains committed to the establishment of Nigeria Air, with the hope of achieving its goal of boosting the country’s aviation sector and creating a national carrier that can compete globally.