Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating the former minister, Hadi Sirika, in connection with the controversial Nigeria Air deal. The Nigeria Air project, unveiled just three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has been embroiled in criticism and disputes.
Keyamo made the revelation in an interview on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today saying that an ongoing criminal investigation by the EFCC is underway, and he has called for the release of the investigative report. While emphasizing the need for a proper national carrier, he clarified that no local airline would be designated as the national carrier.
In August, shortly after assuming office as minister, Keyamo suspended the Nigeria Air project to facilitate a thorough audit of contracts. The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier resulted in the resignation of Girma Wake as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.
The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air at the time, Capt. Dapo Olumide, clarified that the aircraft used for the unveiling was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines and was returned after the event. Both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation labeled the launch of Nigeria Air as fraudulent.
Furthermore, Keyamo highlighted the relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos, stating that the move would help the agency save over N500 million on travel expenses alone.
Credit: Daily Sun