The Federal Government has clarified that there are no plans to revive the controversial Nigeria Air project, which was initially conceived in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
This statement comes in response to remarks made by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a handover ceremony in Abuja.
Kana had mentioned the revival of the national carrier project, leading to inquiries about the government’s intentions.
Kana had said: “My deployment to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is timely. While receiving my deployment letter, I was given two key tasks: to make the national carrier a reality and to sanitize our airports across the country.”
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Kana clarified his earlier comments. He emphasized, “Since my inaugural statement on Monday, I have received numerous inquiries regarding my reference to the revival of the national carrier project. To avoid any confusion, I want to state clearly that I never mentioned a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines, and I have received no such instructions.”
Kana further explained that his remarks were referring to the broader vision of the administration, which is open to considering a national carrier project, but only if it is deemed beneficial for the country and in line with the directives of the President and the Minister of Aviation.
He also expressed his loyalty to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stating, “I remain committed to working closely with him to advance the ministry’s agenda and ensure that the future of aviation in Nigeria is bright and aligns with the aspirations of our great nation.”
The Nigeria Air project was initially launched by former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, but was suspended following corruption allegations.
On August 6, 2024, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa also ordered that the government’s plans for the national carrier be halted.
