Ethiopian Airlines Explains Decision To Exit Nigeria Air Operation

Ethiopian Airlines Explains Decision To Exit Nigeria Air Operation

Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Ethiopian Airlines, has attributed the challenges in establishing Nigeria Air to political factors. Tasew noted that, despite Ethiopian Airlines’ intention to support the Nigerian government in setting up a successful national carrier, the initiative encountered significant opposition from local airlines, which led to its politicization…….CONTINUE READING 

According to Naija News, this statement follows the annulment of Ethiopian Airlines’ selection as the equity partner for Nigeria Air. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, halted the Nigeria Air project upon his appointment a year ago.

On August 5, 2024, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that the process of awarding shares and operational control of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines violated multiple laws, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Public Procurement Act. The court’s decision included nullifying the entire bidding process for Nigeria Air.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Tasew confirmed that the project to establish a Nigerian airline in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines is now closed. He said, “We had high hopes of creating a strong national carrier for Nigeria. Unfortunately, after a change in government, the project was not successful. As it stands, we have no plans to re-enter Nigeria or partner with local airlines due to the political complications.”

Tasew explained that while Ethiopian Airlines aimed to leverage its expertise to create a profitable and reliable airline in Nigeria, the opposition from Nigerian airlines, who viewed the partnership as a threat to their business, led to the project’s abandonment.

Earlier, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), criticized the Nigeria Air initiative, claiming it was a disguised attempt to undermine Nigerian airlines and benefit Ethiopian Airlines without contributing to the Nigerian economy.

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