MON, 03 OCT, 2022-theGBJournal| The Minister Federal Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has said that the decision to establish the national carrier through a partnership with the Ethiopian Airlines was not because Nigeria lacked the capacity to do it, but because it wanted to avoid the issues that led to the collapse of the previous national carrier.
Sirika said the choice of Ethiopian Airlines as partner was based on the premise of having shown that government business can be run profitably, ‘’apart from being an African airline that has carved a niche for itself in the world air transportation industry.’’
He described the national carrier project as one dear to the heart of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that its successful delivery amounted to a major boost to the development and success of the single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to which both countries are signatories.
Sirika’s comments comes as he met with the Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mrs Dagamawit Moges when she led the country’s delegation at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 41st General Assembly, on a courtesy call to the Nigerian ICAO mission Office in Montreal, Canada.
Mrs. Moges expressed her country’s excitement about the partnership with Nigeria Air, saying she hopes that it will open new vistas for partnership in other areas, political and economic.
She commended the Nigerian government for picking Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred partner for the National Carrier out of the numerous interests that were expressed, assuring that the consideration would not be taken for granted.
Mrs. Moges also said that Nigeria, with its position as a major player in the global aviation industry, remains an attractive partner and expressed optimism that the establishment of Nigeria Air will be beneficial to all involved, including the Nigerian teeming populace.
Twitter-@theGBJournal| Facebook-The Government and Business Journal|email: gbj@govbusinessjournal.ng|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
