The Federal Government has announced that the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air, will fly before May 29, 2023.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this at the ongoing National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023 in Abuja on Thursday.
Sirika, confirmed that litigation was responsible for the delayed takeoff of the new airline initially proposed to commence operations December, 2022.
He said that local and international flights would commence soon following ongoing negotiations with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Negotiation meeting with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria ongoing.
“Next step: Federal Executive Council approval of the Full Business Case.
“Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” the minister said.
Speaking further, the minister said the benefits Nigeria stands to derive from the establishment of the national carrier are reduced capital flight from Nigeria; gain the optimal benefit of BASA and SAATM, and develop an aviation hub.
Also, the National carrier will contribute to the GDP; facilitate hospitality and tourism; facilitate growth and development of the Nigerian Agricultural Sector and create jobs around the Agro-Cargo Terminals.
