Sirika reveals timeline for commencement of National Carrier

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday, said Nigeria would soon get a national carrier.

Sirika stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation for the 2023 budget defence in Abuja.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari was also expected to commission one of the two aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a few days’ time.

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The minister said the national carrier is on its way to be launched with 737 and would first concentrate on domestic operations before venturing into an international operation.

He added that the aviation sector had recorded significant improvement in the last few years.

Sirika said: “This significant growth is the sequel to the roadmap we are building. Our airports are wearing a new look, especially Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Portharcourt, among others.”

He also said the contract for the Cargo terminal at the airports was abandoned by the contractors, adding that the president directed that they be investigated, prosecuted, and the monies recovered.

Sirika, however, said it could not go ahead because the ministry did not have prosecuting powers.

“We reported to EFCC now in the last three and half years, and they confirmed to me that they have finished the investigation. This is worrisome.”

Nnolim Nnaji, the House Committee on Aviation chairman, said the budget defence was intended to have a full-year implementation report to guide the committee in considering the 2023 budget.

He said the committee would oversee three international airports terminal slated for concession within the next few weeks.

“The committee has noticed with great concern the omission of one of the critical security and safety agencies of the ministry, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency,” he said.

He said the committee would correct the abnormality, urging the minister to clarify the matter.