Lagos, March 30, 2023 – The determination of the Federal Government to see the take-off of a national carrier, Air Nigeria, before the end of President Mohamadu Buhari’s tenure was stalled on Wednesday by a court adjournment on the issue.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, had last week, boasted that all the requirements for the take-off of the national carrier had been met including the appointment of a manager.
He said that he was optimistic that the national carrier would be operational before May 29, 2023.
But a Federal High Court in Lagos failed to deliver judgment in the case on the issue as anticipated by the Federal Government and adjourned the ruling until April 20, 2023.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Wednesday after adopting all processes filed by the plaintiff, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and those of the defendants, the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines.
AOL has instituted a legal action alleging that the Federal Government did not follow the mandatory procurement process in setting up the national carrier.
It particularly cited a breach of procedure in the selection of Ethiopian Airlines as the manager of the proposed national carrier, arguing that the mandatory advertisements for such appointment in two national and one foreign newspaper was not adhered to. (GBN)
