The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the actions of former Minister Hadi Sirika in connection with the contentious Nigeria Air project. The announcement comes amid persistent scrutiny and criticism of the suspended national carrier initiative that was introduced by Sirika just days before the conclusion of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Keyamo made these remarks during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on Wednesday.
“The EFCC is actively investigating the Nigeria Air deal, and there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the matter. I have personally requested the full report on the situation,” Keyamo asserted during the interview. Hadi Sirika, who served as the Minister of Aviation, has been under the spotlight for his role in the ill-fated Nigeria Air project. The initiative, which was intended to establish a national carrier, has faced significant controversy and skepticism since its inception.
This revelation follows an earlier decision by Minister Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to suspend the entire Nigeria Air project shortly after he assumed office in August. The suspension was intended to facilitate a comprehensive audit of contracts and agreements related to the project, which had garnered extensive attention and scrutiny.
Notably, the Nigeria Air project was officially unveiled just three days before the conclusion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, marking the culmination of years of anticipation and discussion. However, the launch was met with a slew of controversies and allegations of irregularities.
One of the prominent figures affected by the Nigeria Air debacle was Girma Wake, a veteran aviator who chose to resign from his position as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines in light of the controversy surrounding the project. Capt. Dapo Olumide, who served as the Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air at the time, defended the legitimacy of the aircraft used to unveil the national carrier, stating that it had been chartered by Ethiopian Airlines. He further clarified that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after its use in the unveiling ceremony on the final day of the Buhari administration in May.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had independently labeled the launch of Nigeria Air as fraudulent, adding fuel to the already heated debate surrounding the project. In the midst of these developments, Minister Keyamo also touched on another significant aviation matter by revealing the government’s plans to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos. Keyamo asserted that this strategic move would result in substantial cost savings for the agency, potentially exceeding N500 million solely in travel-related expenses.
The investigation by the EFCC into the Nigeria Air project adds another layer of intrigue to the controversial initiative that has captured the nation’s attention. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what conclusions will be reached and what implications this may have for those involved in the venture.
