The House of Representatives committee on aviation has faulted the process leading to the unveiling of Nigeria Air.
Speaking at an investigative hearing on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, with Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and representatives of the Ministry of Aviation, Nnaji Nnolim, chairman of the committee, said the unveiling of Nigeria Air was a fra¥d as the major stakeholders in the deal being the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines denied knowledge of the launch.
The Committee members expressed its misgivings towards the unveiling of the national carrier during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole; the Interim Managing Director, Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide as well as heads of aviation agencies.
The Ministry of Aviation claimed Nigeria Air was only unveiled and not launched, which the committee dismissed as an attempt to divert the lawmakers’ attention.
Members of the committee were shocked when NAMA disclosed that the aircraft bearing Nigerian colours was on a chartered flight to Nigeria.
Other stakeholders who confirmed the disclosure noted that a chartered flight could be painted in any colour and with any inscriptions.
The committee also passed a resolution asking the federal government to suspend the operations of Nigeria Air.
It would be recalled that Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, unveiled Nigeria Air, the national carrier, about three days before the end of the former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
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