Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, has refuted claims that the Nigerian government allocated N85 billion for the Nigeria Air project, News About Nigeria reports.
In an interview with Arise TV, Sirika clarified that only N5 billion was earmarked from 2016 to 2023, with N3 billion being released and used for expenses such as transaction advisers and salaries.
He emphasized that the entire amount was not fully utilized before his departure from office.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the unveiling of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft painted with Nigeria Air livery at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, Sirika stated that he had no direct involvement in the decision.
He attributed the unveiling to the shareholders of Nigeria Air, who saw it as a marketing strategy.
Sirika also mentioned that he was invited to the event and addressed inquiries about the start of operations, clarifying that the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) needed to be issued before the airline could commence its services.
Responding to questions about the equity payments made by shareholders, Sirika explained that once the documentation of the shareholders’ agreement is completed and signed, the required funds will be paid.
As for the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, he highlighted that their AOC is recognized by Nigerian laws and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), allowing them to operate scheduled or chartered flights.
Sirika clarified that the Nigerian government did not incur any expenses for the aircraft’s arrival and departure, as it was part of Ethiopian Airlines’ marketing strategy as partners of Nigeria Air.
Regarding the statement from the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation, which labeled Nigeria Air as a fraud, Sirika alleged that the committee chairman, Nnolim Nnaji, approached him and demanded a five percent share of the airline for himself and his associates.
He claimed to have recorded evidence of this conversation.
In response, Nnaji stated that Sirika’s allegations were false and an attempt to divert attention from the criticism he received after the controversial unveiling ceremony of Nigeria Air.
Nnaji mentioned that his committee had requested transparency and due process regarding the Nigeria Air project, including details of the bidding process and the full business case from the Nigerian Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
However, the Ministry failed to provide this information before the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) took legal action and obtained an injunction to halt the project. Nnaji clarified that discussions on the project were suspended due to the court’s involvement.
He also highlighted a statement he made when reports surfaced about the Ministry pressuring the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to grant waivers to Nigeria Air for an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Nnaji warned Sirika about undermining the authority of the NCAA and the potential negative impact on Nigeria’s air transport sector.
He concluded by urging Sirika to focus on addressing the concerns surrounding the Nigeria Air project and providing truthful information to the public.
