The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has clarified its stance on the revival of the National Carrier project, stating that it has no mandate as yet to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines.
In a statement issued on Wednesday – today, January 8 -Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, clarified that his earlier statement on the issue was misconstrued, stating that he was only referring to the general vision of the Administration to consider a National Carrier project if it is favourable to the country.
Dr. Kana emphasized that he received no instruction to revive the Nigeria Air deal and that any future decisions on the project would be made under the guidance and directives of the President and the Minister of Aviation.
“The Ministry’s leadership remains committed to working with stakeholders to achieve reforms that will elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector to global standards
“Since my inaugural statement on Monday at the hand-over ceremony, I have been inundated with inquiries about my reference to the revival of the National Carrier Project.
“For the avoidance of doubt I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian airline. I received no such instruction.
“I was only referring to the general vision of the Administration to still consider a National Carrier Project if it is favourable to the country and under the guidance and directives of Mr. President and the Honourable Minister of Aviation.
“I hope this clarifies all the ambiguities surrounding my earlier statement on this issue,” he said.
According to him, his loyalty to the Minister is intact, reiterating his commitment to driving the Ministry’s aviation development agenda under the current administration.
