In spite of opposition from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the federal government has persisted in its efforts to establish Nigeria Air as the country’s national carrier. Since the project has already reached a significant milestone, they believe the incoming government will keep moving forward because it will provide the industry with a much-needed boost after years of stagnation due to the lack of a robust airline capable of competing with other global carriers. However, after Nigeria Airways’ liquidation, AON filed a lawsuit against the federal government for the creation of a new national carrier on November 19, 2022.
The AON implored the court to examine and interpret existing laws to determine whether or not the procedures for launching a new national carrier were in breach of the regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The AON had filed a suit in the court to halt the deal involving the country’s national carrier and to revoke the Air Transport Licence (ATL) that had already been granted to Nigeria Air through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by the federal government.
East African carrier holds a 49% stake in the anticipated airline.
However, as part of an initiative to actualize the airline project, on February 19, 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari met with the executives of Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa. The purpose of the meeting was to advance and solidify the deal with the East African carrier, which holds a 49% stake in the anticipated airline. Since the President’s trip to Ethiopia, it can be denoted that efforts have been made to press for the incorporation of the airline before the Buhari administration ends.
According to THISDAY’s source, Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika has already begun laying the groundwork to guarantee that the next administration will carry on with the national carrier project even if it is not completed before the current administration winds down. A stakeholder in the industry who has been monitoring the development of the proposed national carrier expressed optimism that the federal government would create the airline before it handed services over to the new administration, guaranteeing that the airline would start operating immediately.
The new airline receives certification despite the petition.
Since the new airline has already gotten an Air Transport Licence (ATL), it is also expected to receive an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) before the current administration ends. He expressed his hope that the same political party would remain in power and that the incoming administration would pick up where they left off. They also affirmed that there are six projects that Buhari’s government has planned for the aviation industry and claim that Buhari has expressed interest in seeing that this particular project is completed.
Furthermore, according to a member of AON, the case in court continues to be a standoff to the project, and the airline cannot function until the litigation is concluded or overruled, despite the assurances of two people advocating to become the Minister of Aviation in the coming administration. The government and the Ministry of Aviation wanted to move the case brought against them regarding the proposed creation of the national carrier project, Nigeria Air, from Lagos to the Federal High Court – Abuja Judicial Division, but AON contended that the lawsuit must keep going to be heard in Lagos.
Existing airlines might be negatively impacted by the new airline.
Some relevant stakeholders, however, have voiced opposition to the national carrier establishment that once formed, it will further start competing with existing airlines and, naturally, as an airline with a government stake, a lot of privileges would permit it to weaken existing airlines and, eventually, bring them to extinction. Sindy Forster, a marketing and PR strategist and aviation analyst, warned that the creation of the national carrier would threaten the success of Nigerian airlines. This is because the Ministry responsible for their protection has created an airline that will compete with them.
Related Link
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Buhari administration push for Nigeria Air – AON filed a suit to halt the deal involving the Nigeria national carrier. – Express your point of view.
The president is pushing for Nigeria Air to be the official aircraft of the presidential fleet. Well, the most important thing is for them to agree with the other airlines.
I think it’s great that the court looked into rather or not the introduction of a new national carrier followed the rules of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by examining and interpreting existing legislation.
It is to the people’s advantage that attempts have been made to lobby for the incorporation of the airline before the conclusion of President Buhari’s term in office. This would ensure that the incoming president will not have to deal with any unfinished business.
If we have 9ur ouw personal airline, it would be very good for us and this is something that I am hoping comes to pass.
I feel sorry for the incoming president. The president started a project without certainty of conclusion 6months to leave. I love the drive from the AON, at least there’s chance he will work in line with other airlines.
It is recommended that the federal government establish the airline in order for it to begin operations without delay and for the general public to have access to it as quickly as feasible.
Buhari’s administration has not really been a sweet and splendid one but he should do this last thing for us before he leaves office and he would be greatly appreciated.
This airline will help us grow a lot in the travel and relations aspect because it will lead to more business transactions between us and other countries.
Buhari administration push for Nigeria Air. Buhari administration is almost over and his pushing it. Loading up work for the incoming president
The airline will really help in promoting our business and accessible to the people this administration should try and achieve this
The administration pushing for Nigeria air this should have been done since not when they are about to leave their office it will be load on the next administration
This is development that will provide the air sector with the necessary intervention to provide more and ensure smooth operation.
The Nigeria Air and s a good idea and should be supported and moved forward. It has potential to solve the challenges faced in the sector I believe.
Seeing the new airline have been licensed i think the federal government stance should prevail here. We really need the airline in Nigeria to bridge the challenges gaps.
Those worrying on the establishment of the new airline probably care about their own affairs alone. Having a government owned airline comes with a lot of advantages.
The fact that we thought Buhari will do a great Job still seems unbelievable to me, to be honest this man did more harm than good to our economy
For the first time in a long time , the MMA experienced shut down twice wishing the space of 5 months that’s not encouraging at all
The fact that efforts have been made to campaign for the airline’s incorporation before President Buhari’s term in office is over is to the benefit of the populace. This would make sure that there would be no issues for the future president to cope with.
The fact that efforts have been made to campaign for the airline’s incorporation before President Buhari’s term in office is over is to the benefit of the populace. This would make sure that there would be no issues for the future president to cope with.
We have an administration that careless about whatsoever anybody is saying and ready to use their veto power to push for what they want. Though Nigeria need carriers of their own but that doesn’t mean that the federal government should abandon the existing AON and create a new one without addressing the issues that crippled the former operations.
The Buhari led administration is a rigid one that often fail to listen to people’s plight before making final decision. This administration should have listen to the AON before taking that step. I will want to believe that there is selfish motive behind the establishment of new carrier.