The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to launching a national carrier, promising Nigerians that the long-awaited initiative will commence operations soon. Abubakar Kana, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the announcement during a handover ceremony in Abuja on January 10, 2025.
Kana assured Nigerians that he would collaborate with Minister Festus Keyamo to deliver the national carrier and upgrade airports across the country to international standards. He emphasized that the aviation sector’s transformation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
“Resources are scarce; we need to embrace the private sector to support Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Kana noted, highlighting the importance of private sector involvement in achieving the government’s ambitious aviation goals.
While no specific timeline was provided for the carrier’s launch, Kana’s assurance adds momentum to the government’s renewed push for the project.
Outgoing Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the ministry for the opportunity to contribute to national development, as he handed over the reins to Kana.
The announcement comes on the heels of Minister Festus Keyamo’s earlier pledge to unveil a national carrier, despite the controversial failure of the Nigeria Air project under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The project had faced significant scrutiny over its lack of transparency and progress.
The government’s renewed efforts aim to restore confidence in the aviation sector, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for air travel. Stakeholders and industry watchers will be keenly observing the implementation of this ambitious plan.
