Nigeria Air: Aviation minister, Sirika reacts to criticisms trailing project’s suspension

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has reacted to condemnations training suspension of national carrier project, Nigeria Air.

He explained that the project was not suspended because of lack of investors.

A statement by Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, on Tuesday, said the national carrier project had an avalanche of well-grounded and ready investors.

The investors, according to Sirika, include international finance institutions such as the Afro-Exim Bank, African Development Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, aircraft manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing.

He added, “They also include airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Air etc. and some reputable individuals and entrepreneurs.

“The Office of the Minister of state for Aviation has noted, with consternation, various opinions, comments and observations in the media regarding the status and the reasons for the recent suspension of the processes leading to the establishment of a Nigerian national carrier.

“Among the reasons being given for its suspension, especially in the social media is the absence of interested and ready investors.

“This couldn’t be farther from the truth, as the national carrier project has an avalanche of well-grounded and ready investors,” he said.

The minister also stated that the country’s participation at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom in July was not for the sole purpose of unveiling the Nigeria Air logo contrary to popular belief.

He explained that the air show was also a meeting point with those potential investors who saw the event as another opportunity to market and re-emphasize their interests in the project.

“It is also pertinent to clarify that the Federal Executive Council only suspended the process for the establishment of the national carrier for the time being. The project has not been killed,” he said.

Sirika had on September 19, announced the decision of the government to suspend the project for ‘strategic reasons’ without giving further details.

The decision has elicited reactions from many stakeholders and other Nigerians who have alleged different reasons for the suspension of the project.