*Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, affirms the controversial Nigeria Air project remains suspended 鈥榠ndefinitely’

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the establishment of the country’s national carrier, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, has announced the Nigeria Air project remains suspended 鈥渋ndefinitely鈥�.

The Minister disclosed this development Monday, May 27, 2024, while聽 discussing the achievements of the Aviation sector at the 3rd ministerial updates, in Abuja, FCT.

The Minister equally, noted the plans for the resumption of cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in January this year, Keyamo had said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced investigation into the controversial Nigeria Air deal sealed by the Federal Government during the tenure of ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, for proper audit of contracts.

“There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report,” stated he.

The EFCC is currently prosecuting Sirika and his brother for alleged corruption in the controversial Nigeria Air deal.

Amid the controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria鈥檚 national carrier, veteran aviator Girma Wake, reportedly resigned his appointment as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.

Likewise, Captain Dapo Olumide, then Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, told the Federal legislators in the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, that the aircraft used to unveil the country鈥檚 national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.

Olumide, during the legislative inquiry into the Nigeria Air deal, said aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling May 29, 2023, the last day of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Nigeria鈥檚 Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had both labelled the launch of the Nigeria Air as a fraud.