Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is conducting an investigation into the controversial Nigeria Air deal involving the former minister, Hadi Sirika.
Keyamo stated, “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”
Keyamo also emphasized that no local airline would be designated as the national carrier, asserting the intention to establish a proper national carrier. In August, shortly after assuming office as minister, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), criticized the deal by Sirika and suspended the entire arrangement for a thorough audit of contracts.
The Nigeria Air project was unveiled just before the conclusion of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier led to the resignation of veteran aviator Girma Wake as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines. Capt.
Dapo Olumide, the then Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, clarified that the aircraft used for the unveiling was legitimately chartered from Ethiopian Airlines and returned after the unveiling on the last day of the Buhari administration in May. Both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation labeled the Nigeria Air launch as fraudulent.
