The much-hyped Nigeria Air project has suffered a major blow as the Federal Government announced a suspension of operations, citing allegations of fraud, contract irregularities, and breach of due process. This marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the proposed national carrier, once touted as a symbol of Nigeria’s aviation revival.
The announcement came during a press briefing by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who revealed that preliminary findings from an internal audit revealed “severe breaches in procurement processes, concealment of critical financial information, and misrepresentation of technical capacity.”
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“We cannot continue to fund a project built on deceit,” Keyamo said. “We have a responsibility to protect public resources and restore credibility to the aviation sector.”
The Nigeria Air project, launched in 2018 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was intended to replace the defunct Nigeria Airways and restore Nigeria’s image in global aviation. After repeated delays, a symbolic aircraft branded in Nigeria Air colors landed in Abuja in 2023, raising hopes of take off but no scheduled flight ever followed.
Investigations now suggest that the aircraft used for the branding event was leased from Ethiopian Airlines, raising questions over Nigeria’s actual ownership and involvement in the operation. Additionally, several consultants linked to the project allegedly received large payouts without delivering tangible milestones.
Critics of the project have long warned that Nigeria Air lacked transparency. Aviation experts say the suspension confirms their fears that the deal was more of a political stunt than a genuine commercial venture.
“This was a flying scam,” said aviation analyst Captain Femi Adeyemi. “We were promised a world-class airline, but it was all smoke and mirrors.”
The Senate Aviation Committee has announced it will launch a full probe into the management of funds allocated to Nigeria Air and investigate the role of former aviation officials, including former Minister Hadi Sirika, who has already denied wrongdoing in earlier statements.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is demanding an independent audit, while labour unions in the aviation sector are calling for the prosecution of those found guilty.
“This is another painful example of how national pride can be turned into a private money pot,” said activist Aisha Yesufu on X (formerly Twitter). “We must name and shame those behind this deception.”
As the fallout continues, hopes for a viable national airline are once again in limbo. For now, the runway remains empty, and the dream of Nigeria Air appears to be grounded indefinitely.
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