Former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Osita Chidoka, has strongly opposed the return of Emirates Airline’s operations in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chidoka criticized both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and Emirates Airline for abandoning Nigeria during its economic challenges, describing their actions as a “direct affront on the pride and respect of Nigerians.”
Chidoka expressed his disapproval, stating, “Emirates Airlines’ audacity to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation. The actions of the UAE government and their airline, Emirates, from the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights, have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.”
Highlighting the past cooperation between Nigeria and Emirates, Chidoka noted that during his tenure as Aviation Minister, Emirates was granted two slots to Lagos and one slot to Abuja, reflecting Nigeria’s desire to foster close relationships and build regional alliances in the Gulf. However, he criticized Emirates for abandoning Nigeria when the country faced economic difficulties, while other airlines continued their operations in solidarity with Nigeria.
“Emirates Airlines, arguably the wealthiest airline in the world, was the only airline that suspended operations. All the African and European airlines, equally owed by the Nigerian government, continued operating and weathered the storm with us as a people—a remarkable show of solidarity and a vote of confidence in a market they had enjoyed for decades,” Chidoka said.
Chidoka further criticized the UAE for imposing a visa ban on all Nigerians, calling it an “unwarranted and vile display of aggression and dehumanisation of Nigerians.” He emphasized that Nigerians must reject such stigmatisation and degradation, likening it to historical ghettos and asserting that the visa ban was a desire to humiliate Nigerians as a group.
He insisted that the Nigerian government must demand a thorough investigation and restitution from Emirates before considering their return. “The Nigerian government must not allow Emirates Airlines to waltz back into our skies without being held accountable for their disrespectful and demeaning conduct. We demand a thorough investigation and restitution before even considering their return,” Chidoka stated.
Chidoka concluded by urging the Nigerian administration to reaffirm the country’s sovereignty and ensure that respect for the nation and its people remains non-negotiable. “Our sovereignty is not for sale,” he declared.
Emirates Airlines had halted its flight operations to Nigeria in October 2022 due to difficulties in repatriating funds trapped in the country. However, on May 16, 2024, the airline announced that it would resume operations in Nigeria starting October 1.
