FG backtracks on directive to revive Nigeria Air project

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, has denied announcing plans to revive the controversial Nigerian Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines.

Kana made this clarification in response to speculation surrounding remarks he made during his inaugural statement at the ministry’s handover ceremony.

“Since my inaugural statement on Monday at the hand-over ceremony, I have been inundated with inquiries about my reference to the revival of the National Carrier Project,” Kana said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian airline. I received no such instruction.”

He explained that his reference was to the administration’s general vision of considering a National Carrier Project, should it prove favorable to Nigeria’s interests.

Any such decision, Kana noted, would be guided by directives from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation.

“I hope this clarifies all the ambiguities surrounding my earlier statement on this issue,” he said.

“On a personal note, I pledge absolute loyalty to the Honourable Minister and remain dedicated to working closely with him to drive the Ministry’s agenda forward.

“Together, we will ensure that the future of aviation in Nigeria is bright, innovative, and reflective of the aspirations of our great nation.”