Nigeria Air to commence flight before May 29 — FG insists

Amid doubts of its possible effectiveness and controversies surrounding the establishment of the national carrier, Nigeria Air, the Federal Government has insisted that local and international flights will commence soon.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who made the revelation at the ongoing National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023 in Abuja on Thursday, said flight operation would commence before May 29, the handing over date of the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government.

“Negotiation meeting with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria is 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.

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.