The Federal Government has said that Nigeria Air would begin operations before May 29, 2023.
Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, made the announcement on Thursday at the National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023 in Abuja.
Sirika asserted that the government has taken the necessary steps to overcome the obstacles imposed by the indigenous airlines, which filed a lawsuit to halt the process.
“Negotiation meeting with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria ongoing.
“Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” the minister said.
The minister continued by saying that by establishing the national carrier, Nigeria will be able to decrease capital flight from the country, maximize the benefits of BASA and SAATM, and establish an aviation hub.
Additionally, he said that the National carrier will contribute to the GDP; promote hospitality and tourism; facilitate growth and development of the Nigerian Agricultural Sector and generate jobs surrounding the Agro-Cargo Terminals.
