Nigeria Air : EFCC Summons Former Aviation Minister Over Alleged N80. Billion Expended
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, to appear before the commission regarding the recent launch of Nigeria Air. The EFCC has also questioned officials of the Nigerian Air in relation to the airline’s launch in Abuja.
The minister was expected to appear before the commission within the week to address inquiries regarding the launch of Nigerian Air, which had utilized an Ethiopian aircraft adorned with Ethiopian colors. The EFCC has already interrogated individuals claiming to be officials of the national carrier. When contacted, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the ongoing investigation but was unable to provide further details.
The commission’s investigation will scrutinize the alleged N3 billion investment into the project, although some stakeholders assert that over N80 billion was expended. The decision to present an Ethiopian airline as Nigeria’s national carrier upon its landing in Abuja drew outrage from stakeholders. The minister had defended the move, stating in a recent interview that it was a marketing strategy.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently announced that the airline was still in the initial stage of a five-phase process to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial operations. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have consistently opposed the concept on various grounds.
In response to the situation, the spokesperson for AON, Obiora Okonkwo, warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against succumbing to blackmail and accepting a venture that would ultimately harm the Nigerian economy and result in the loss of millions of existing jobs.
An anonymous source mentioned that an ongoing investigation was indeed underway, revealing that Nigerian Air officials had already been questioned and that Hadi Sirika had been invited to appear before the EFCC within the week.
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