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. For more insights on African aviation trends, visit Africa Aviation Industry News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed that it does not intend to resurrect the failed Nigeria Air project involving Ethiopian Airlines. This clarification followed public speculation regarding comments made by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a recent handover ceremony in Abuja. Dr. Kana initially mentioned that his assignment involved two key objectives: making a national carrier a reality and improving airports nationwide. However, he later clarified his statement in an official release, stating he had no directive to revive the terminated Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines. He explained that his remarks were a general reflection of the administration’s vision, emphasizing that a national carrier would only be reconsidered if beneficial to the nation and under the explicit guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. Dr. Kana reaffirmed his full support for Keyamo and commitment to working collaboratively to advance the ministry’s objectives for a modernized and efficient aviation sector. The Nigeria Air project, initially introduced under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, was suspended due to corruption allegations. On August 6, 2024, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa further halted the Federal Government’s plans to establish the national carrier, citing legal issues. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
