The minister assured that the federal government would ensure that the national carrier is achieved this time, he promised.

Nigerians will co-own Nigeria Air when it becomes fully operational. Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika said this on Thursday in Abuja. 

He added that the project would create thousands of jobs. 

The federal government would ensure that the national carrier is achieved this time, he promised. Sirika restated the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of April 2022 as time frame for the commencement of operations. 

“The Nigeria Air, when operational, would generate over 70,000 jobs.

“The majority shares of 49 per cent of Nigeria Air will be owned by strategic equity partners; 46 per cent by Nigerians.

“The Federal Government will own 5 per cent of the shares,” he announced. 

Sirika confirmed that the FEC also approved N1.49billion for Automated Civil Aviation Regulatory Equipment to be located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. 

The equipment as well as software support and training will make civil aviation activities easier. 

“Payments, follow-ups on personnel licenses, medicals, economic regulation, safety regulations and others will be monitored by this single software”, he added. 

The minister further disclosed that the FEC approval covers the “Outline Business Case” for Nigeria Air.