Nigeria Considers Renewed Flag Carrier Talks with Ethiopian Airlines
The Nigerian government is reportedly considering resuming discussions with Ethiopian Airlines to revive its national carrier project, but under a new name, according to Punch.
The move follows diplomatic tensions between the two nations after the collapse of the Nigeria Air project in 2024. The plan, initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, would have seen an Ethiopian Airlines-led consortium acquire a 49% stake in the airline. However, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and current Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the project was scrapped, with Keyamo labeling it as not a genuine Nigerian initiative.
On August 5, 2024, the High Court in Lagos declared the venture “null and void” following a lawsuit by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which argued that the project threatened local airlines. An ongoing investigation is examining potential corruption by former officials.
Tensions escalated when Ethiopian Airlines expressed displeasure over Keyamo’s stance, fearing diplomatic fallout. However, recent reports indicate that both nations have engaged in discussions, and Keyamo even visited Ethiopian Airlines, though he denied any revival talks.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, has clarified that his reference to a national carrier did not imply a return to the previous deal but rather a broader vision for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com