Federal Government Confirms No Plans to Revive Troubled Nigeria Air Project
In a recent announcement, the Federal Government has expressed no intention of reinstating the troubled Nigeria Air initiative, which was a collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines. This statement comes in response to concerns raised following comments made by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a handover ceremony in Abuja.
Dr. Kana had previously stated, “My deployment to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development is quite timely. While receiving my deployment letter, I received very clear instructions with two tasks to achieve within this period: ensuring the national carrier becomes a reality and sanitizing our airports across the country.” However, his remarks sparked inquiries regarding the potential revival of the national carrier project, leading to a clarification issued the following day.
In a statement, Dr. Kana emphasized, “For the avoidance of doubt, I never said there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines. I received no such instruction. I was only referring to the general vision of the administration to still consider a national carrier project if it is favorable to the country, and under the guidance and directives of Mr. President and the minister of aviation. I hope this clarifies all the ambiguities surrounding my earlier statement on this issue.”
He further pledged his commitment to working closely with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, asserting, “Together, we will ensure that the future of aviation in Nigeria is bright, innovative, and reflective of the aspirations of our great nation.”
The Nigeria Air project, originally conceived by former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, was put on hold by the Federal Government amid allegations of corruption. Additionally, a judicial ruling by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on August 6, 2024, mandated that the government’s plans to establish a national carrier, Nigeria Air, be discontinued.
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