Debate Over Nigeria National Carrier Reignites Under Tinubu
The future of Nigeria’s national airline remains a topic of political debate, as aviation professionals urge President Bola Tinubu to revive the stalled national carrier project. The call was made by Abdulrazak Saidu, General Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), during the Air Transport Quarterly Magazine awards ceremony in Lagos.
Saidu stressed the importance of establishing a national carrier to ensure fair competition and prevent foreign airlines from dominating Nigeria’s aviation market. He urged Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo to prioritize the initiative and correct the missteps of the previous administration.
The controversial Nigeria Air project, launched under former minister Hadi Sirika, was intended to be a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines and Nigerian investors. However, it was halted after opposition from domestic airlines under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who obtained a court injunction blocking its certification.
The director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, acknowledged Saidu’s concerns, but noted that the final decision rests with President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Sirika is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of contract fraud involving NGN2.8 billion (USD1.8 million). The charges relate to a demonstration flight conducted in March 2023 using a Boeing 737-800 in Nigeria Air livery, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, just before Sirika left office.
With the change in government, the Nigeria Air initiative collapsed, but renewed calls for a national airline keep the debate alive in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com