In a recent statement, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the spokesperson for AON (Airline Operators of Nigeria), highlighted the lack of transparency and the flawed nature of the Nigeria Air project, which has been a subject of contention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Okonkwo’s remarks came in response to a statement made during a tour of Lagos airports by Minister Keyamo, who announced the suspension of the Nigeria Air project. This project has been mired in a legal dispute between AON and former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika….CONTINUE READING
Keyamo also declared the suspension of the concessions for the Abuja and Kano international terminals, emphasizing the need to ensure the protection of Nigerian interests in these agreements.
AON had previously taken legal action against Sirika, seeking to halt the national carrier project and revoke the Air Transport Licence granted to Nigeria Air by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
AON also raised concerns about the transaction adviser’s incorporation date and alleged connections to the aviation minister. Additionally, they questioned the absence of normal security clearance for the Air Transport Licence.
AON argued that the partnership between the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines would potentially harm domestic airlines by opening up the domestic air travel market to Ethiopian Airlines.
The statement made by Minister Keyamo regarding the suspension of the Nigeria Air project received commendation from AON and industry stakeholders alike.
Okonkwo’s statement emphasized that the Nigeria Air project had lacked transparency and had been criticized as ill-conceived, even described as a “fraud” by a House of Representatives Committee on Aviation investigation in June 2023.
AON expressed confidence in the Aviation Minister’s vision for the sector’s development and the expectation that the suspension would pave the way for transparency and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s reputation in the global aviation community.
AON continued to maintain that the terms set by the former Aviation Minister for the national carrier were detrimental to the Nigerian aviation sector and could potentially lead to its downfall, with Ethiopian Airlines poised for a takeover.
The statement acknowledged the Aviation Minister’s commitment to the sector’s public interest-driven development for the benefit of Nigerians.
