The Nigerian government has indefinitely postponed the commencement of operations for the Nigeria Air project.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, in a recent update regarding the first year of President Tinubu’s administration.
Minister Keyamo clarified that Nigeria Air was essentially fronting as a foreign aircraft operator within Nigeria rather than being a national carrier. He also shed light on possible future initiatives including resuming cargo flights to and from Saudi Arabia.
January saw Keyamo disclose that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had begun probing into the contentious Nigeria Air transaction finalized under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
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“There’s an ongoing criminal investigation. I’ve requested the investigation report,” Keyamo mentioned earlier.
Upon taking office in August last year, Keyamo questioned the legitimacy of the Nigeria Air deal forged by Sirika and called for the suspension of the agreement to permit a comprehensive audit of the signed contracts.
Notably, the establishment of Nigeria Air caused a stir leading to the resignation of Girma Wake, former Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, from his position in the aviation industry.
Capt Dapo Olumide, Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, had defended the airline’s official unveiling, stating that the aircraft was a legitimately hired plane from Ethiopian Airlines. According to Olumide, the aircraft was returned following the event at the conclusion of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s term in May 2023.
The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had both criticized the Nigeria Air launch, denouncing it as deceptive.
