The operation of Nigeria Air is set to commence in the month of May, 2023. This was confirmed by the Nigerian aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, at the 2023 National Aviation Stakeholders Meeting, where the government allocated more money for the international airlines.
The minister expressed his delight that the new airline would generate more job possibilities. He asserted that, despite pilot shortages occurring in many nations, Nigeria is the only one where skilled pilots have trouble finding employment. The minister pledged that the national airline will increase employment, advance the agriculture sector, expand the hospitality and tourism sectors, and boost Nigeria's gross domestic product. According to different research, the nation's aviation industry contributes $1.7 billion annually and 241,000 direct and indirect jobs to the economy.
Despite obstacles like a legal battle
from other airlines, Sirika has stated his determination to have the airline up
and running by the end of May.
“Local and international flights will
commence soon by May 29, Negotiations between the Ethiopian Airlines Group
Consortium and the Nigerian government are ongoing. The next step is for the
country’s Federal Executive Council to approve the full business case.”
The minister added that the
government is aggressively disbursing money that foreign airlines have been
owed but have been unable to send home because there aren't enough dollars in
circulation. Qatar Airlines receives $201 million and IATA airlines receive
$216 million of the total. Only over $35 million of Emirates Airlines' cash
remain to be collected. The majority have already been given to the airline.
According to the agreement, Nigerian investors would own 46% of the new
airline, while Ethiopian Airlines will own 49% of it. The Nigerian government
will keep 5% of the company.
Members of the Airline Operators of
Nigeria have filed a lawsuit, alleging that the new carrier has an unfair
advantage due to its ownership structure and that any future national airlines
should be entirely owned by Nigerians.
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