Stakeholders involved in the Nigeria Air project have alleged that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and other interest groups are working to sabotage the establishment of the national carrier. These allegations have surfaced amidst ongoing debates and efforts to launch Nigeria Air, with some stakeholders accusing AON of attempting to tarnish the reputation of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.
The AON, led by Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa (founder of Azman Airline) and Allen Onyema (chairman/CEO of Air Peace Airline), has been accused of relentless efforts to frustrate the Nigeria Air project. Mohammed Adamu, an industry stakeholder, stated that the AON had taken the Federal Ministry of Aviation to court and obtained an injunction to halt the airline’s takeoff process.
The AON also reportedly wrote a letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to stop the Nigeria Air process. The letter expressed concerns about the Minister of Aviation’s alleged plan to circumvent court orders and initiate the aircraft unveiling on the last working day of the administration.
Godfrey Okon, another stakeholder operating a travel agency, claimed that there has been a deliberate campaign by some airline operators to undermine Sirika’s efforts in establishing Nigeria Air. He accused AON of inciting Nigerians against the national carrier and the former Aviation Minister.
Supporters of Nigeria Air believe that the planned national carrier, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, will help reduce the soaring air ticket prices. Passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja expressed optimism about the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the airline’s operations.
Allegations of sabotage have emerged in the ongoing debates surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air. Accusations have been made against the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and other interest groups, suggesting their efforts to undermine the project and tarnish the reputation of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. The controversy highlights the challenges faced in realizing the national carrier and the differing perspectives within the aviation industry.
