April 04, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said that Emirates’ offer to partner Nigeria in the National Carrier project, is an expression of confidence of the international aviation community in the commitment of the Buhari government to the proposed airline.
Sirika’s position is contained in an official statement issued on Monday, from the office of the Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, which was made available to THEWILL.
According to Sirika, Emirates’ offer cannot be anything other than an endorsement of the need, the zeal and, of course, the process for the national carrier project.
The Minister also sees the offer as an encouragement to the many bidders currently preparing their PPP bids for Nigeria Air, in response to the recently advertised Request for Proposal.
He insisted that the process for the acquisition of the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and the Air Transport Licence (ATL), is well on course for the expected launch date.
“As has been repeatedly stated, the whole process for the establishment of the national Carrier, and indeed, all the projects under the Administration’s Aviation Roadmap, has been guided by the principles of transparency and accountability and this will remain, till the final delivery of the project”, he stated.
While speaking recently during a panel session moderated by Richard Quest, to discuss the future of Aviation at the Dubai Expo 2020, Tim Clark, President of Emirates, had said that, the organisation would be very happy to help if any assistance was required in starting the national carrier.
According to Clark, who was speaking in support of the position of Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, the establishment of a national carrier is an almost compelling case for Nigeria, going by certain indices.
“Of course, Nigeria needs a National Airline. There is an enormous business case for the national carrier. Nigerians are seeking to travel all over the world. Nigeria is a power house of Africa. We are very interested in flying there, because it is a rich nation in terms of demand for services”, Clark had said.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
