IN a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the government unveiled the long-awaited national carrier, Nigeria Air, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the capital city of Abuja on Friday. The establishment of the national carrier aims to position Nigeria as a prominent player in the global aviation market, according to Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika.
‘We have the population. We have the geography. We have the economy. We have the people. We have the know-how. We have the market,’ Sirika emphasised during the ceremony. The event witnessed the unveiling of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft of Nigeria Air, showcasing the country’s determination to make a mark in the aviation industry.
The national carrier represents a public-private partnership between Nigerian entrepreneurs, the Nigerian government, and an Ethiopian consortium. Sirika highlighted the immense potential of this collaboration, connecting Nigeria, with its largest population in Africa, to Ethiopia, the second-largest population in Africa. The combined population of the two countries exceeds 340 million, making it a vast market with tremendous opportunities.
Nigeria Air is expected to commence domestic and regional flights soon, with plans to create more than 70,000 jobs once fully operational and expand its fleet to 30 aircraft within five years. The launch of Nigeria Air is considered a significant milestone, as the country has faced challenges in establishing a sustainable national carrier in the past. Industry experts believe that the new airline will weather the storm and compete with major carriers in the region, such as South African Airways and Kenyan Airways.
Nigeria’s previous national airline, Air Nigeria, ceased operations in 2012 due to financial and operational difficulties. The introduction of Nigeria Air signals the country’s determination to revive its aviation sector and drive economic growth in the process.