FG Lifts Ban On Airline That Flew Naira Marley To Abuja For Concert During COVID-19 Lockdown

The Federal Government has lifted the ban placed on a private airline, Executive Air Services Limited, which flew musician, Naira Marley, to Abuja for a concert during COVID-19 lockdown in June 2020.

KanyiDaily had reported that the FG suspended ExecuJet after it conveyed Naira Marley, and ex-BB Naija housemate, Kim Oprah, to Abuja for drive-through concert which violated the measures put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

However, speaking during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing on Monday, July 27, 2020, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said the ban has been lifted following the compliance of the airline with sanctions imposed on it.

“Today, we lifted the ban on Executive Jets Air Services Limited. They have complied substantially with all of our imposed sanctions.

“They have paid parts of the fine and they have brought out a payment plan for the balance. So, we lifted the ban and they will continue to do their business. These kind of things are not punitive, they are things to make our industry work better and keep all of you safe,” he said

The minister also said that he has not received the report of the investigation into alleged violations of the COVID-19 protocols by dignitaries.

Many Nigerian elites including presidential aides are believed to have violated the ban on air travels using private and official planes.

“As to the VIP offenders which are undergoing investigation, the report will be on my desk this week hopefully and we will keep you posted,” the minister said.

KanyiDaily recalls that ExecuJets had written a letter of apology to the Federal Government, describing Naira Marley and his crew as “bunch of useless people”.