The federal government has confirmed that the Nigeria Air project remains suspended. This announcement came from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.
Keyamo, who provided crucial updates on the status of the national carrier – shedding light on the government’s stance and future plans, said the Nigeria Air project did not exist.
The Nigeria Air project was initially unveiled with great anticipation in 2023 by then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika. The launch occurred just days before the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. At the time, the announcement was met with optimism, as many Nigerians hoped for the revival of a national carrier that would enhance the country’s aviation sector and national pride. However, the optimism was short-lived as details of the plane used for the launch emerged, sparking widespread concern and skepticism.
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Earlier, Sirika had announced the proposed structure of Nigeria Air, allocating a 49 percent equity stake to Ethiopian Airlines, with the Nigerian government retaining a mere 5 percent stake. The remaining 46 percent was to be owned by a consortium of three Nigerian investors. This arrangement quickly drew criticism from various quarters, including aviation experts, industry stakeholders, and the general public. Critics argued that the deal disproportionately favored Ethiopian Airlines and raised questions about the benefits to Nigeria.
Investigative Revelations and Legislative Action
The controversy surrounding Nigeria Air reached a tipping point following an exposé by investigative journalist David Hundeyin. Hundeyin’s in-depth investigation revealed questionable details about the deal, highlighting potential fraudulent aspects and a lack of transparency in the process. His report brought to light irregularities that further fueled public distrust and called into question the intentions behind the national carrier’s hurried launch.
In response to these revelations, the House of Representatives took decisive action. In June 2023, the legislative body called for the suspension of Nigeria Air operations, labeling the deal a fraud and urging for a thorough examination of its terms. This intervention by the House of Representatives was a significant blow to the project that eventually led to its suspension.
Government’s Suspension of the Project
Following the legislative intervention, in September 2023, Minister Keyamo announced the suspension of the Nigeria Air project until further notice. This decision was rooted in the government’s commitment to ensuring that any national carrier would be established under terms that were truly beneficial to Nigeria.
During the recent press briefing, Keyamo reaffirmed this stance, providing further clarity on the government’s position and future plans.
“It remains suspended. It was never Air Nigeria. It was not Air Nigeria. That’s the truth. It was only painted Nigeria Air. It was Ethiopian Airlines trying to flag our flag,” Keyamo stated. His remarks underscored the perception that the project, as initially structured, did not align with Nigeria’s national interests.
He emphasized the need for an airline that is genuinely Nigerian, both in ownership and in its benefits to the country.
“Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigerian, and must be for the full benefits of Nigeria, not that 50 percent of the profit is for another country.”
Speaking further on the Nigerian Air project, Keyamo highlighted the pitfalls of the initial ownership structure.
“Nigeria Air must be indigenous, it must be only Nigeria or it must be for the full benefit of Nigeria. Not that 60 percent of the profit is for another country. How does that benefit us? So it remains suspended,” he reiterated.
This sentiment reflects the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that any future national carrier maximizes economic benefits for Nigeria, bolstering the country’s aviation sector and avoiding the outflow of profits to foreign entities.