Abuja, March 23, 2023 – Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, says the national carrier, Nigeria Air, will commence operation before May 29, 2023.
Sirika made the promise Abuja on Thursday at the ongoing of a National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023.
“Negotiation meeting with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria ongoing.
“Next step: Federal Executive Council approval of the Full Business Case.
“Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” he said.
The minister said the benefits to accrue to Nigeria from the establishment of a national carrier would include reduced capital flight, optimal benefit of BASA and SAATM and a developed aviation hub.
He also listed other benefits to include higher contribution of aviation sector to the GDP, boosting of hospitality and tourism business, growth and development in agriculture as well as creation of jobs around the agro-cargo terminals. (GBN)
