The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, to investigate the Nigeria Air project, News About Nigeria reports.
Sirika is expected to appear before the commission in the coming week to address inquiries regarding the launch of the national carrier and the alleged utilization of ₦3 billion on the airline venture.
Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC, verified that an ongoing investigation was underway concerning the Nigeria Air project, but refrained from providing further details.
He mentioned, “I can verify that there is a current inquiry regarding that matter.”
Sources within the EFCC indicated that the commission would scrutinize the utilization of the ₦3 billion in public funds allocated to the project.
Previously, officials of Nigerian Air were questioned by the EFCC in relation to the recent airline launch in Abuja.
“We have already investigated some officials of Nigeria Air. We have invited the former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika. We are expecting him within the week,” revealed the sources.
It is noteworthy that Sirika clarified on a national television program a few days ago that the federal government had expended less than ₦3 billion on the Nigeria Air project thus far.
During his appearance on Arise News Channel, the former minister disclosed that out of the total budget of ₦5 billion allocated to the project in the past seven years, only ₦3 billion had been released.
He emphasized that the majority of the funds were allocated to consultancies, salaries, and administrative expenses.
Furthermore, he denounced the claim of ₦85 billion being circulated as the purported expenditure on Nigeria Air, deeming it false and unsubstantiated.
In terms of the overall capitalization for the establishment of Nigeria Air, Sirika revealed that the total market value amounted to $200 million.
Shareholders would contribute funds commensurate with their respective ownership stakes.
Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49% share, MRS owns 31%, SAHCO holds 15%, and the federal government of Nigeria possesses a 5% stake.
The ex-minister emphasized that no shareholders had provided any monetary payments while the agreement was still in the process of being signed.
He explained that the funds already spent by the federal government would be treated as equity, constituting 5% of the total.
If the expenses exceed this threshold, the federal government will be entitled to a refund.
Sirika also assured that Nigeria Air would not receive any special tax privileges and would be subject to the same tax obligations as other airlines.
Furthermore, Sirika accused Hon. Nnaji Nnoli, the former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, of requesting a 5% share of the airline for himself and his associates.
The minister clarified that he advised Nnoli to approach the shareholders directly to acquire shares, as the federal government of Nigeria is not the owner of the airline.
