Ethiopian Airlines has disclosed that the Nigerian government has opted out of their partnership intended for the Nigeria Air project’s launch.

The announcement was made by Ethiopian Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, during an event in Dubai, as reported by the Ethiopian Tribune.

Tasew was quoted saying, “The Nigerian government has withdrawn its interest in partnering with a foreign airline.”

This development follows the Federal Government’s decision two months ago to indefinitely suspend the Nigeria Air project.

In 2022, Ethiopian Airlines won the bid to manage Nigeria Air, agreeing to a structure where they would hold a 49% stake, the Federal Government 5%, SAHCO 15%, and other investors 31%.

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On May 27, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced the project’s suspension during a briefing marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. Keyamo criticized the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, arguing that the proposed airline’s ownership structure did not favor Nigeria.

He emphasized that allowing a foreign entity to dominate Nigeria’s aviation sector could hinder the growth of local businesses.

In 2023, the Ministry of Aviation, under former Minister Hadi Sirika, unveiled Nigeria Air three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The development had elicited concerns among stakeholders nationwide over the ownership arrangement which gave Ethiopian Airlines a 49 per cent equity stake.

The Federal Government had a 5 per cent equity, while a consortium of three Nigerian investors had 46 per cent.

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Reacting to the deal in June 2023, the House of Representatives asked the Federal Government to suspend the operations of Nigeria Air, describing it as a fraud.

Currently, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering, contract fraud in the ministry, and issues related to Nigeria Air.

The controversies surrounding Nigeria Air have highlighted significant challenges and discrepancies in the nation’s aviation sector, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.