The Nigerian Government has stated that it has no intention of reviving the failed Nigeria Air project with Ethiopian Airlines (ET).
This clarification comes after inquiries were raised regarding comments made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, during a recent handover ceremony in Abuja.
Kana had mentioned the national carrier in his address, stating that his tasks included ensuring the national carrier project becomes a reality and addressing issues at airports across the country. His remarks led to speculation about a potential revival of the Nigeria Air project.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Kana clarified his earlier statement, emphasizing that he did not say the government was reviving the failed deal with Ethiopian Airlines. He explained that he was referring to the general vision of the administration to consider a national carrier project in the future, should it be deemed favorable to the country and in line with the directives of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
For further clarity, Kana added, “I received no such instruction to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal. I was only referring to the possibility of a national carrier project, subject to favorable circumstances.”
Kana also expressed his commitment to working closely with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to drive the ministry’s agenda forward and ensure the aviation sector’s growth and innovation.
The Nigeria Air project, initially conceived under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, was halted after allegations of corruption. In August 2024, a Federal High Court, led by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, ordered the suspension of the plans for the national carrier.
