The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Monday that President Bola Tinubu would determine the next steps for the Nigeria Air Project.
Keyamo emphasized that he could not preempt the President’s decision, as the matter is currently under consideration.
Keyamo highlighted the potential issues with the agreement involving Ethiopia Airlines, the major stakeholder in the Nigeria Air Project. He expressed concerns about tax waivers granted to Ethiopian Airlines, creating an uneven playing field with local airlines that pay heavy taxes.
Additionally, Keyamo pointed out that the contract proposed appointing Ethiopian individuals to all levels of management in Nigeria, potentially creating a monopoly and sidelining local interests.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians, the National Assembly, and various stakeholders, stating that the government had suspended the project to thoroughly review the agreement. All documents and reports have been forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of fair competition in the commercial world and expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by various parties.
The fate of the Nigeria Air Project now rests with President Tinubu, who will decide the appropriate course of action based on the comprehensive review of the agreement and its potential impact on the nation’s aviation industry.
