EFCC Investigating Hadi Sirika Over Failed Nigeria Air Project – Festus Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently probing the Nigeria Air deal.

The Nigeria Air project, which was executed by the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, gained attention when, on May 26, 2023, an aircraft affiliated with the proposed national carrier landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

Hadi Sirika, two days before the arrival, had announced the impending arrival of a Nigeria Air aircraft, heralding the commencement of operations.

However, on August 31, 2023, Festus Keyamo declared the suspension of the Nigeria Air project, citing the need to put the initiative on hold until further notice.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday evening, Keyamo reiterated his earlier stance, expressing his belief that the deal was not in Nigeria’s best interest in the long run.

The Minister highlighted the ongoing criminal investigations by the EFCC into the deal and called for the release of the investigation report.

He emphasized the commitment to establishing a genuine national carrier, distinguishing it from the previously attempted arrangement that involved a foreign airline flying the Nigerian flag.

“First of all, I have said it before and I will still say it. It was not a deal that was good for Nigeria in the long run,” the minister said.

“The whole composition and totality of that deal was merely Ethiopian Air flying the Nigerian flag. It was not a national carrier. Two things. A flag carrier is different from a national carrier.

“So while we were being told that a national carrier was coming, it was not a national carrier, it was a foreign airline trying to fly the Nigerian flag.

“The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”

Festus Keyamo insisted that no local airline would be designated as a national airline, noting that “we will establish a proper national carrier”.

KanyiDaily recalls that the House of Representatives had declared the alleged inauguration of Nigeria Air during the final days of former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration as a fraudulent act.