Sen. Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, has declared that Nigeria Air, the projected national carrier, will take flight before May 29th, 2023.
The project, according to the Minister, is 98 percent finished.
On Thursday at the 10th Aviation stakeholders forum in Abuja, he made this statement.
He said: “The airline will fly before May 29th this year”.
“Negotiation meeting with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria ongoing.
“Next step: Federal Executive Council approval of the Full Business Case.
“Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” the minister said.
The minister continued by saying that by establishing the national carrier, Nigeria would be able to reduce capital flight from the country, maximize the benefits of BASA and SAATM, and create an aviation hub.
The National Carrier will also help the Nigerian Agricultural Sector expand and develop, contribute to the GDP, facilitate hospitality and tourism, and create jobs near the Agro-Cargo Terminals.