Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has lauded the Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo for suspending every activity related to the operationalisation of Nigeria Air.
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo,
Spokesman,AON, explained in a statement that by the action, the Minister has displayed rare courage and great patriotism to save Nigeria from further
embarrassment in the aviation world.
Prof Obiorah said aside from stakeholders in the aviation industry, it was evident to everyone who had followed developments around the Nigeria Air project under the immediate past administration that the idea was not only ill-thought out but also lacked any modicum of transparency.
He noted that “It was therefore no surprise that the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation which investigated the process and purported launch of Nigeria Airon Friday, June 2, 2023 described it as a’fraud. It remains a puzzle to Nigerians why the processes of actualizing such a major national project was shrouded in
almost utter secrecy until the end of the last government. However, we remain confident that by suspending the
Nigeria Air project to allow for a thorough review, the Aviation Minister Olorogun Keyamo, will put things
right and help restore Nigeria’s image in the global aviation family”.
He said AON continues to believe that it is not right to float a national carrier on the terms set out by the last Aviation Minister, which would undermine, even destroy, the aviation sector in Nigeria with Ethiopian Airlines waiting on the wings for total take over.
Obiroh explained further that “We have no doubt that the new Aviation Minister has the right vision for the development of the sector which
is driven by public interest considerations for the good of Nigerians.
Again,the AON commends the Minister for the great leadership he has shown so early in his tenure and pledged
our unalloyed support in his quest to reform the aviation sector and implement other components of the aviation
road map for the over all good of the Nigerian economy”.
