Nigeria Considers Fresh National Airline Talks With Ethiopian Airlines Under New Framework

The Nigerian government is considering reigniting discussions with Ethiopian Airlines to establish a new national carrier under a fresh identity, according to sources cited by Punch Newspaper. This move comes after the collapse of the Nigeria Air project in 2024, which had initially planned for Ethiopian Airlines to hold a 49% stake.

The Nigeria Air initiative, championed by former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, was scrapped following a change in administration. The new government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, dismissed the project, criticizing it as a poorly structured deal that did not prioritize Nigerian interests.

In August 2024, the Lagos High Court declared the project “null and void” after a legal challenge by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who argued that it would unfairly impact local carriers. Allegations of corruption surrounding the project remain under investigation.

Despite initial diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Ethiopia over the failed venture, recent reports suggest that both nations have resumed dialogue. While Minister Keyamo visited Ethiopian Airlines, he denied any active talks about reviving the national carrier. However, industry insiders believe that alternative plans could be under review.

Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, permanent secretary at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, also clarified that while there’s an ongoing conversation about establishing a national carrier, it does not involve reinstating the Nigeria Air deal.

If successful, a new partnership could strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector while fostering regional cooperation. As the government navigates the complexities of this potential collaboration, stakeholders remain keenly interested in how future developments might reshape the country’s airline industry.

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