Nigeria Weighs Private Model for New National Airline

Nigeria’s government is rethinking its approach to establishing a new national carrier, with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirming that any future airline will be privately led and commercially driven. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo emphasized that the project “is not totally gone” but must adhere to transparency, sustainability, and global best practices to succeed.

He explained that the proposed airline would serve as a national flag carrier rather than a state-owned enterprise, modeled on examples like British Airways. According to the minister, discussions with potential partners are already underway to secure strong private sector participation and investment.

The announcement signals a clear departure from the defunct Nigeria Air project, which collapsed after legal and political challenges. Initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and then-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, Nigeria Air planned for Ethiopian Airlines to lead a consortium holding a 49% stake. However, a Lagos High Court voided the project in August 2024 after the Airline Operators of Nigeria argued it would harm domestic carriers.

Keyamo criticized Nigeria Air as not being a “genuine Nigerian” initiative but an attempt by Ethiopian Airlines to operate under Nigeria’s flag. Meanwhile, an investigation into alleged corruption tied to the project continues, with Sirika and family members facing charges over the misappropriation of NGN2.7 billion (USD1.8 million). Sirika maintains the initiative was transparent and aimed at creating a viable competitor in the global aviation market.

This new approach signals a fresh start for Nigeria’s long-sought national carrier, focusing on private capital and market-driven operations.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com