Federal Government Denies Mandate to Revive Deal with Ethiopian Airlines for Nigeria Air
Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the newly appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has clarified that there is no mandate to revive the controversial deal between Nigerian Air and Ethiopian Airlines.
Kana issued the statement in response to circulating rumors suggesting that the federal government had decided to revive the deal, which was previously struck with Ethiopian Airlines for the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air.
It should be noted that in 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos ruled to nullify the sale of a 49 percent stake in Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines, halting the deal.
Kana addressed concerns regarding the potential revival of the national carrier project, emphasizing that any future steps toward establishing a national airline would depend on favorable conditions and the guidance of the president.
In his statement, Kana expressed his loyalty to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and reaffirmed his commitment to working together to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector. He also outlined plans to drive innovation and growth, ensuring that the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry aligns with national aspirations.
“For the record, I have not been given any mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines,” Kana clarified. “I have received no such instruction. My reference to the national carrier project was in the context of the administration’s broader vision to explore this possibility, provided it is in the country’s best interest and with the proper guidance from Mr. President and the Minister of Aviation.”
Kana further pledged his loyalty to Minister Keyamo and expressed a strong commitment to advancing the ministry’s agenda, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sectors.
