The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide, appeared before the Senate Committee on Aviation on Tuesday to address concerns regarding the unveiling of the country’s national carrier. Olumide clarified that the aircraft used for the unveiling was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines and had returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the event.
The Senate Committee members expressed their reservations during a meeting with Olumide, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribole, and heads of aviation agencies. Senator Biodun Olujimi, the Chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee, questioned the timing of the national carrier’s unveiling on the last day of the Muhammadu Buhari administration by the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
Additionally, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, labeled the launch of Nigeria Air as a fraud. This conclusion was reached after discussions with stakeholders in the aviation sector who claimed to have little knowledge of the launch.
In response to the committee’s inquiries, Capt Dapo Olumide explained that Nigeria Air was unveiled at that particular time to demonstrate to Nigerians that the project was not a mere fluke. The Ministry of Aviation emphasized that the unveiling should not be confused with an official launch.
With the Senate Committee seeking more clarity and stakeholders expressing skepticism, the fate of Nigeria Air remains uncertain as further investigations and discussions continue.
