The Nigerian government may resume discussions with Ethiopian Airlines to revive the stalled national carrier project, Nigeria Air, but under a new name, according to sources.
This development follows diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Ethiopia over the collapse of the Nigeria Air project in 2024.
The venture, which was meant to have Ethiopian Airlines hold a 49% stake alongside the Nigerian government, was scrapped by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had labelled it a sellout to Ethiopia and dismissed it as not truly Nigerian.
On August 5, 2024, the Lagos High Court declared the project “null and void” after a lawsuit by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who argued that the deal would harm local airlines. Additionally, an investigation into alleged corruption involving former government officials is still ongoing.
Despite Keyamo’s strong opposition, recent reports by Punch indicate that tensions between Nigeria and Ethiopia have prompted diplomatic discussions.
Ethiopian Airlines reportedly expressed concerns about the impact of Nigeria’s stance on bilateral relations. Though Keyamo recently visited Ethiopian Airlines, he denied discussing a revival of the national carrier project.
Similarly, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, clarified that any discussions about a national carrier align with the broader vision of Tinubu’s administration, rather than a direct continuation of the Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines.
