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Tag: Nigeria Air

  • EFCC Invites Hadi Sirika, Probe Controversial Launch Of ‘Nigeria Air’

    EFCC Invites Hadi Sirika, Probe Controversial Launch Of ‘Nigeria Air’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to appear before the commission regarding the controversial launch of Nigerian Air in Abuja recently.

    The anti-graft agency has reportedly also questioned officials of Nigerian Air, whose launch has continued to generate concerns among industry stakeholders.

    The controversy surrounding the Nigerian Air launch intensified after reports indicated that an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, painted in Nigerian Air livery, was used for the inauguration.

    Stakeholders expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that a national carrier should not rely on a foreign airline for its launch.

    Responding to the allegations, Sirika said the use of the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft was a “marketing strategy.”

    Meanwhile, findings have shown that Sirika has yet to honour the anti-graft agency’s invitation.

    It was gathered that some officials of the controversial national carrier, including the Acting Managing Director, Captain Dapo Olumide, had been invited for questioning.

    An official close to the development said, “The former aviation minister, Sirika has been invited by the commission over an ongoing investigation which includes the Nigeria Air project.

    “Although Sirika is yet to honour the commission’s invite, some other officials of Nigeria Air have been questioned, and the acting MD was invited for questioning too,” a source revealed.

    “Sirika wasn’t the only person that was invited, other officials were invited too, and some of them have been interrogated and their statements taken by the commission but Sirika is yet to appear for questioning.”

    Confirming the development following an inquiry by our correspondent, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said Sirika had been invited by the anti-graft agency over an ongoing investigation.

    He, however, said he could not confirm whether the ex-minister had honoured the invitation or not.

    Uwujaren said, “I can confirm that the commission has invited former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika over an ongoing investigation.

    “But I’m not sure and I can’t confirm whether or not he has honoured the invite. Concerning other officials being questioned, I can’t confirm that too, but an investigation is ongoing.”

  • CSO wants Buhari probed over “fraudulent” Nigeria Air

    CSO wants Buhari probed over “fraudulent” Nigeria Air

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, in Akwa Ibom has called for the probe of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over his role in the fraudulent launch of Nigeria Air.

    A statement from CHRAN endorsed by it’s Director Mr Franklin Isong and Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr Vincent Aluu made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday regretted that the launch which took place on the last day of the Buhari’s government, was not only fraudulent and criminal, but an attempt at defrauding Nigerians.

    “CHRAN notes that on May 26, 2023, Nigerians woke up to the news of the launch of a new national carrier, bearing the insignia of Nigeria Air with an Ethiopian Air registration number.

    “CHRAN observes that 24 hours after the purported launch, the airline was seen among the Ethiopian Air fleet.

    “According to the confession of the acting Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Captain Dapo Olumide; aviation industry stakeholders and the revelation of the Aviation Committee, House of Representatives, CHRAN is shocked that the launched airline was hired from Ethiopian Air for public display and that the exercise allegedly gulped over 140 billion naira without any tangible outcome.

    “After a careful review of the process, CHRAN notes that the exercise was fraudulent, intentionally designed to divert public funds, highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community if not properly investigated.

    The organisation called on anti-graft agencies, “to immediately invite former President Buhari for questioning, for him to explain to Nigerians his role in the entire sham, and how over 140 billion naira was allegedly spent on a fraudulent project under his supervision.

    “CHRAN also calls for immediate arrest and investigation of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and all those involved in this scam in order for them to face the full wrath of the law, if found wanting.”

  • House Reps Calls Nigeria Air Launch ‘Fraud’

    House Reps Calls Nigeria Air Launch ‘Fraud’

    The House of Representatives has poked holes in the purported launch of Nigeria Air at the twilight of the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, declaring it a fraud.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, declared the launch of Nigeria Air a fraud after the major stakeholders in the deal between the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines denied knowledge of the launch.

    The Ministry of Aviation claimed Nigeria Air was only unveiled and not launched, which the committee dismissed as an attempt to divert the lawmakers’ attention.

    Members of the committee were shocked when NAMA disclosed that the aircraft bearing Nigerian colours was on a chartered flight to Nigeria.

    Other stakeholders who confirmed the disclosure noted that a chartered flight could be painted in any colour and with any inscriptions.

    Details later…

  • First Nigeria Air Flight Finally Arrives Abuja

    First Nigeria Air Flight Finally Arrives Abuja

    The first Nigeria Air flight has landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday afternoon.

    Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika confirmed the arrival in a tweet on his official handle.

    We are here. To Almighty God be all the glory. It has been a very long, tedious, daunting and difficult path. We thank everyone for the support. This, by the will of God, will be for us and generations to come. Ya Allah make it beneficial for our country and humanity 🇳🇬🤲🏽🤲🏽🤲🏽🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/an4LbgmSf5

    “We are here. To Almighty God be all the glory. It has been a very long, tedious, daunting, and difficult path. We thank everyone for the support,” he wrote alongside a video of the airplane.

    “This, by the will of God, will be for us and generations to come. Ya Allah make it beneficial for our country and humanity.”

    The development is part of plans to commence operations and unveiling of the delivery process after years of delays.

    In March, Sirika had said the airline will start operations before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    “Before the end of this administration, before May 29th, we will fly,” he said.

    According to him, the Federal Government is leaving the aviation sector better than it met it having achieved over 90% of the aviation sector road map.

  • Nigeria Air to Fly Before May 29 – Sirika

    Nigeria Air to Fly Before May 29 – Sirika

    Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has announced that the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air will fly before May 29th, 2023.

    Speaking at the 10th Aviation stakeholders forum on Thursday, March 23, Sirika revealed that the project is 98 percent complete. He added;

    “The airline will fly before May 29th this year”.

  • Ethiopian Airline owns 49% of Nigeria Air – FG

    Ethiopian Airline owns 49% of Nigeria Air – FG

    Ethiopian Airlines (ET) consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder for Nigeria Air, owning 49 percent of the national carrier.

    Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, said this during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

    Sirika said ET scored 89 percent out of 100 in the technical bidding process and 15 out of 20 as regards financial bids.

    He explained that the request for proposal (RFP) under the public-private partnership (PPP) Act, governed by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission(ICRC), has been completed.

    “After a careful, detailed and ICRC governed selection process, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) Consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder, offering an owner consortium of 3 Nigerian investors.

    “The Nigerian investors are MRS, SAHCO and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund (46%), FGN owning 5% and ET 49%. The consortium has been subject to a due diligence process.

    “The contract will be negotiated between consortium and FGN, leading to a full business case (FBC) which will be expected to be approved by the federal executive council (FEC). We expect this process to take 6-8 weeks.”

    The minister said the national carrier would launch with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration very suitable for the Nigerian market.

    According to him, Nigeria Air will be launched with a shuttle service between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between the two major airports.

    The minister added that other domestic destinations would follow later.

    “The first aircraft is ready to arrive in Abuja for further work and NCAA inspection, demo flights and audit as part of the AOC requirements.

    “In time, two others will arrive to complete the required three aircraft for a new AOC holder. The interim executive team has prepared with the support of FAAN.

    “The team has arranged for Terminal C at the Abuja Airport and finalised a contract with MMA 2 terminal in Lagos for the operation of an initial shuttle between Lagos and Abuja,” he said.

    He noted that the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at the Abuja Airport would act as the headquarters of the airline.

  • How to Apply For Nigeria Air Recruitment

    How to Apply For Nigeria Air Recruitment

    Nigeria Air has announced its 2022 recruitment.

    Nigeria Air Limited made this known in a statement on Saturday.

    It said the new National Carrier of Nigeria will be launching shortly with Boeing 737-800 (NG) aircraft, followed with B787 aircraft for International Operations.

    It further stated that the new Airline will be owned by a Nigerian private Investor Consortium, together with a 5% Federal Government holding, including Ethiopian Airlines shareholding.

    The positions available for employment are
    Experienced and current B737 Captains

    Experienced, Current B737 First Officers

    Experienced, Current B737 Senior Cabin Crew and Cabin Crew Experienced, Current B737 Engineers (B1/B2 preferred).

    “The positions are based in Abuja or Lagos. Competitive salaries are offered.”

    It added that other positions will be available on the portal, www.nigeriaair.world.

    ”Due to the immediate recruitment requirements for the above operational positions only, we ask that CVs be sent to the following email address: recruitment@nigeriaair.world

    “Your application will be carefully assessed, and suitable candidates will be invited for an interview. We will not reply to applications that do not meet the above criteria,” it added.

  • FG set to lease three aircraft to commence Nigeria Air’s flight operations

    Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has disclosed the Federal Government’s plan to begin flight operations of the national carrier, Nigeria Air with an initial three aircraft to be leased from other companies.

    Beyond the lease of the aircraft, the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari approved a total sum of 1,506,285.7 euros, approximately N707,962,864.83 to enable the airport authorities to acquire working tools under the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB.

    Sirika said the flight operations will first begin locally, then progress to regional and international routes going forward.

    The government is mulling the takeoff, soonest, despite existing challenges in the aviation industry, especially the rising cost of aviation fuel, the Jet A1.

    The Nigerian national carrier logo had been launched abroad, a few years ago, when stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation sector took to an air fair to explore options available to it for effective execution.

    Sirika said, “I presented two memoranda on the national carrier to allow Nigeria to lease aircraft to start operations. That has been approved by the council. And the second is the deployment of investigation tools by the Accident Investigation Bureau. That tool, will permit the accident investigation to be able to decode going ons in flights, and God forbid, should there be a need to investigate the accident or incident, the tool will help them to be able to do so. That procurement is in sum of 1,506,285.7 euros which is equivalent to N707,962,864.83.

    “This will be including taxes at a central bank exchange rate of 472 in Euro with the delivery period of 11 months and is awarded to Messers Integrated Contract Services Limited for AIB.

    “On how many aircraft, I have said in our business plan, in the outline business case which is approved which are presented right here in this hall, I said that we are starting with three aircraft, for the first instance, to do the runs and then we progress. As to the make and type, we will be having eventually a mix of the two, the Air Buses and the Boeings.

    “Because every airline that to grow big is either or, most of them are either Air Bus or they are Boeing, especially for the Intercontinental and international flights. And this will start as a domestic airline. And then it will of course grow to become regional and international also intercontinental. On the timeline, is a process we’re progressing. We will announce the commencement date soon.

    “On how they’re going to pull this through with the hiccups the aviation is facing, well certainly it is a global phenomenon. If you, of course, I’m very sure you are abreast with the going on around the aviation industry.

    ” But suddenly it’s not here forever. Aviation is a very resilient activity. From time before, it always takes a dip and then comes back up. We saw it in 9/11, we saw it in the south, we saw it in the global meltdown. We saw it in Pearl Harbor, and so on and so forth. So aviation is very resilient. And I think we’ll get out of the problems we are facing. Of particular reference, yesterday all of you were present when we discussed with The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) the challenges we’re facing in terms of Jet A1 availability and of course pricing, which is 40% of the operations of the airline.

    “We’re finding solutions to those problems and the cost of funds also is being attended to and so on and so forth. So yes, we will get there. And it’s doable and by God’s grace”.

  • Nigeria Air To Get Operating License On Monday

    Nigeria Air To Get Operating License On Monday

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to present Nigeria Air, the country’s proposed national carrier with Air Transport Licence (ATL) on Monday.

    The licence will be presented to the interim management of the airline at the headquarters of the aviation regulatory body in Abuja.

    This was made known on the Instagram handle of the Ministry of Aviation @fmaviationng which reads, “The @NigerianCAA will on Monday, June 6th, 2022 present the Air Transport License (ATL) to the interim management of the #NigeriaAir, Nigeria’s national carrier at the NCAA’s Corporate headquarters, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja”.

    The new national airline is expected to provide scheduled and non-scheduled services. It is one of the licenses received by airlines before they can commence operation just as they await the all-important Air Operator Certificate (AOC) that fully guarantees them the right to begin air services.

    Nigeria Air Limited, the country’s proposed national carrier had in April 2022 applied to the NCAA for a license to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services.

  • Nigeria Air: FG Opens Bid To Private Partners

    Nigeria Air: FG Opens Bid To Private Partners

    The Federal Government has issued the request for proposal to intending private investors on National Carrier.

    In a statement shared on the official Twitter handle of the Aviation Ministry on Monday, the Federal Government said the move is part of efforts towards diversification of the economy and to promote economic growth.

    The statement also added that the private sector partners are expected to comprise – Nigerian Financial and Institutional Investors (min. 46% shares) so that the total Nigerien shareholding will hold a minimum of 51% of the shares of ‘Nigeria Air ‘ (including the 5% non-interactive FGN share), as required by international laws for a National Carrier.

    This comes less than one week after the minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika announced that the Federal Government will issue requests-for-proposal for the establishment of Nigeria Air.

    Sirika while making the announcement said because the government intends to own only five percent of the airline shares, it is going to go ahead with the AOC (Air Operator Certificate), which has commenced since.

    He also said the Federal government will give the prospective investors some weeks to respond to the request, then an announcement will be made concerning the winning bidder.