President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, has quelled rumours regarding the relationship between Nigeria Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Responding to claims of fraud by Minister of Aviation Haji Serika, Ahmad took to Twitter to clarify the situation surrounding Nigeria Air and their partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
Ahmad revealed that Ethiopian Airlines is a major shareholder in Nigeria Air and that Nigerians should be prepared to see more of the airline’s aircraft in their country. While there were allegations that Nigeria Air had leased its aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines, Ahmad categorically denied this claim.
In his tweet, Ahmad said, “Save the cry now, and expect to see more Ethiopian Airlines aircraft branded in our national carrier’s colors.” Despite claims of Nigerian fraudulence by Minister of Aviation Haji Serika, the Ethiopian airline remains a key part of Nigeria Air’s future.
Ahmad explained that similar to other major airlines across the globe (such as British Airways), Nigeria Air is not owned by its government, with Ethiopian Airlines instead holding the bulk of the newly-established company’s shares. The Nigerian Government will retain only a 5% share, while other investors will own the remaining 46%.
Ethiopian Airlines, known as the continent’s most successful carrier, also plans to supply managerial expertise, organisational prowess, and aircraft to the new airline. While many in Nigeria were sceptical about such a partnership at first, it appears that Ethiopia’s national carrier is set to become a major figure in Nigeria’s aviation industry in the years to come.
