The Federal Government has indicated its intentions to revive the National Carrier Project, thereby igniting renewed dialogue within the aviation sector.
This development follows the suspension of the contentious Nigeria Air initiative established by prior administrations.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who has recently taken on the role of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, suggested the revival while elaborating on a previous statement.
He was earlier reported to have stated that he received a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a new national carrier, a remark he subsequently retracted.
His statements elicited a range of responses from industry stakeholders, provoking speculation regarding potential internal discord within the ministry.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo halted the Nigeria Air initiative shortly after assuming office in 2023. He criticized the agreement with Ethiopian Airlines (ET), labeling it as detrimental to Nigeria.
Keyamo disclosed that the arrangement afforded Ethiopian Airlines substantial influence over the prospective national carrier, deeming it an unfavorable agreement.
Keyamo noted, “The Ethiopian Air agreement essentially hands our national carrier to a foreign government. This is unacceptable for a country of Nigeria’s size and ambition.”
Since the demise of Nigeria Airways in 2004, multiple attempts to establish a national carrier have failed, with billions of naira spent without tangible results.
Former Minister Hadi Sirika claimed only ₦3 billion was spent on Nigeria Air from the ₦5 billion budgeted between 2016 and 2023. The funds reportedly covered office setup, consultancy fees, salaries, and the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) processing.
