Nigeria’s New National Airline Not Expected Before Late 2027

Nigeria’s planned new national carrier is unlikely to launch before the end of 2027, according to Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo. He said the government is currently reviewing proposals from private sector investors and will only support a credible plan that aligns with national interests. Keyamo stressed that the project will not involve direct government funding, and will instead rely on private capital and professional management to ensure long-term sustainability.

The minister explained that the timing of the launch will depend on the quality of proposals received. He said discussions are ongoing but clarified that the government will move forward only when a suitable structure is in place. The goal is to create a national airline brand that reflects Nigeria’s identity without replicating past mistakes. Keyamo noted that many countries have national carriers that are not state-owned, citing British Airways as an example.

Former Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption chairman Itse Sagay cautioned that the revival must avoid the mismanagement that contributed to the collapse of Nigeria Airways, which was liquidated in 2004. He recalled that operational abuse, rule violations, and its use for personal privilege undermined the former airline’s viability.

A previous attempt to launch a new national carrier, Nigeria Air, was structured as a public-private partnership with Ethiopian Airlines as the lead investor. That project stalled due to legal challenges from local airlines and policy changes under a new administration. The government has since shifted toward a more open bidding process to determine the future carrier’s ownership and operational model.

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