The controversial Nigeria Air agreement with Ethiopian Airlines has had suspicious transactions exposed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo.
While the conclusions about Nigeria Air are before President Bola Ahmed Tinunu, Keyamo told state reporters at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday that details revealed that the arrangement with Ethiopian Airlines included anti-competitive practices.
He expressed disapproval of Ethiopian Airlines’ five-year tax exemption, stating that it would not promote equitable competition within the aviation industry.
“All the reports have been forwarded to my President; I am unable to overrule him.” the problem that we encountered locally. Shutting my eyes and ignoring my worries would have been reckless. We canceled Nigeria Air as a result of that.
We have examined every matter, and the President is in possession of the report.
For this reason, when they say we want to drop the price by… It is untrue. Stealing from Peter to pay Paul.
“Fair competition is the only factor that drives down prices in the commercial world.”
He also objected to the contract’s attempt to give Ethiopian investors control over hiring decisions for all staff positions.
“In the agreement, they also proposed appointing everybody; top management, everybody Ethiopian, in Nigeria, and we agreed. We agreed!” he emphasised.
The contentious Nigeria Air project and airport concession agreements carried out during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari were halted by the Minister in August.
On May 26, Hadi Sirika, the previous minister of aviation, hastily put a Boeing 737-800 with the Nigeria Air logo into service.
Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49% ownership part in Nigeria Air, followed by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority at 46% and the Federal Government at 5%.
