The federal government of Nigeria has finally launched Nigeria Air, five years after its launch in London. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, just 48 hours before the May 29 inauguration of the incoming administration.
Haidi Sirika, the outgoing Minister of Aviation, announced that the operation of local and international flights will commence before Monday. However, the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) have kicked against the commencement of Nigeria Air on the ground that it is a flagrant disobedience to court order.
It will be recalled that Sirika had announced in September 2022 that Ethiopia Airlines emerged as a core investor in Nigeria Air, with 49 per cent stake. This development did not go down well with indigenous operators who believe that Ethiopia Airlines was given an unfair advantage. As a result, AON took the federal government to court challenging the ownership structure of Nigeria Air.
According to AON, the commencement of Nigeria Air with Ethiopia Airlines having a majority stake would hurt the Nigerian economy and destroy millions of existing jobs.
The government had launched Nigeria Air as a proposed national carrier in July 18, 2018, with $8.8 million in preliminary cost and $300 million as take-off cost. This is the second national carrier after the defunct Nigeria Airways.
In July 2022, the federal Executive Council approved the leasing of three aircraft by Nigeria Air to commence operations. With the unveiling today, the airline is set to take to the skies and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry.
