Here comes Nigeria Air… FG unveils new national carrier

Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, has unveiled the name and logo of the new national carrier, Nigeria Air.

Speaking on Wednesday in London at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow, Sirika said the government will not own more than five per cent of the airline.

“This is an important day for Nigeria. The largest economy in Africa, largest population, GDP of around half a billion dollars, and the only true aviation player in West and Central Africa,” he said.

“Nigeria has unfortunately not been a serious player in Aviation for a long time. We used to be a dominant player, through Nigeria Airways, but sadly not anymore.

“This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.

“The Nigerian government will not own more than 5% (maximum) of the new national carrier. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.

“New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports.”

According to the minister, the airline will have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes.

Operations are scheduled to begin in December 2018.