THUR JULY 11 2024-theGBJournal| Ethiopian Airlines has stepped up pressure on Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation as it moves to recover the $211,000 invested in the failed, scandalous Nigeria Air joint venture deal.
The Airline claims the Ministry breached the contract terms of the deal, and the Airlines Chief Executive Office (CEO) Mesfin Tasew has reportedly taken the matter to the Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC is currently investigating the alleged misappropriation of N2.7 billion allocated to the project. Mesfin and other Ethiopian Airlines officials were interviewed as part of the investigation.
They explained that the terms of the partnership, established during former Nigerian aviation minister Hadi Sirika’s tenure, were not upheld.
Nigerian aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, has suspended the Nigeria Air project indefinitely. Keyamo stated that it was “just Ethiopian Airlines trying to fly the Nigerian flag” rather than a genuine Nigerian project.
The Nigeria Air project was initiated under former minister Sirika and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
It aimed to establish a national carrier in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and Nigerian investors.
The EFCC has since arrested and charged Sirika and family members with corruption involving 2.7 billion naira related to the project.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
