In a recent ministerial briefing held in Abuja, the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced that the initiative for Nigeria Air will remain “suspended indefinitely.” The project, which was first unveiled in 2023, faced scrutiny over its ownership structure that involved a significant stake by Ethiopian Airlines.
Minister Keyamo clarified the status and perception of the airline, emphasizing, “It remains suspended. It was never Air Nigeria. It was not Air Nigeria. That’s the truth. It was only painted Nigeria Air. It was Ethiopian Airlines trying to flag our flag.” This statement addresses concerns that the branding of the airline might have misled public understanding regarding its ownership and management.
The ownership arrangement of Nigeria Air was a focal point of controversy, with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 49 percent equity stake. This left only a minor portion for the Nigerian government at five percent, while a consortium of three Nigerian investors held the remaining 46 percent. Critics of the project raised alarms about the potential for foreign control over what was positioned as a national carrier.
Adding to his comments, Keyamo stated, “Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigerian, and must be for the full benefits of Nigeria, not that 50 percent of the profit is for another country.” This remark underscores a growing sentiment for a truly national airline that benefits the interests of Nigeria alone, without substantial profits flowing abroad.
The indefinite suspension of Nigeria Air points to broader concerns about national identity in business ventures and the complex dynamics of international partnerships in the aviation sector. The government’s stance reflects a cautious approach towards ensuring that national enterprises, such as airlines, primarily serve the country’s interests.