Since the suspension of the Nigeria Air joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines in May 2023, little has been communicated about this ambitious project. Former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika announced the suspension shortly before leaving office, and Festus Keyamo confirmed this decision, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction voided the joint venture agreement.
Reports indicate that over N8 billion was expended on this ill-fated project, raising significant questions about the decision’s rationale. The defunct Nigeria Airways employed millions of Nigerians before it ceased operations, and the gap it left in the aviation sector is still evident today. The assets of Nigeria Airways remain scattered across the country and beyond, underscoring the lost potential of a national carrier.
The advantages of establishing a national carrier are numerous. It could create jobs for the vast population of unemployed Nigerians and serve as a source of national pride.
Moreover, having a national airline would enhance Nigeria’s international image and competitiveness. The benefits of owning a national airline are immeasurable, making it difficult to justify any reasons for stalling such a vital, people-oriented project.
It is imperative that efforts to restart the Nigeria Air project are prioritised. Citizens want to see success and progress in this area. If countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya can sustain national carriers, there is no reason Nigeria, often heralded as the “Giant of Africa,” cannot do the same.
Leaders must adopt a proactive approach to ensure Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage. It is not sufficient for lawmakers to merely enjoy high salaries and allowances; they must consider the legacies they leave for future generations.
The legislature exists to oversee the executive and judiciary, and with over 1,700 members in the National Assembly, it serves as a critical symbol of democracy. If a small group can propose an unpopular policy without opposition from the legislature, then there is a fundamental issue within the system.
As the saying goes, “if evil men can come together to perpetrate their evil, why can’t good people unite to stop it and maintain peace?” This sentiment underscores the need for a collective effort to revisit the Nigeria Air project as unfinished business and to conclude it logically.
Given that Nigeria Airways operated successfully in a previous era with limited knowledge and resources, there is every reason to believe that Nigeria Air can thrive in today’s digital landscape, where knowledge and technology have advanced significantly. Nigeria has no valid reason not to compete with other nations, and the only barriers to progress are rooted in human factors, driven by selfishness and corruption.
The sooner we revisit abandoned projects like Nigeria Air, the better it will be for the country. We must recognise that posterity will not forgive us if we fail to act on these opportunities for national growth and development.