Ethiopian Airlines has made it known that the Nigerian government has withdrawn from the partnership aimed at launching the Nigeria Air project.
The announcement was made by the Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, in Dubai, as reported by the Ethiopian Tribune. “The Nigerian government has lost interest in partnering with a foreign airline,” Tasew was quoted as saying.
Nigeria Makes A U-Turn On Airline Partnership — Ethiopian Airlines
This news follows the Federal Government’s decision two months ago to suspend the Nigeria Air project indefinitely.
On May 27, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced the 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 was not favorable for Nigeria.
He stated that it would be irresponsible for the Federal Government to allow a foreign entity to dominate the Nigerian aviation sector, potentially stifling the growth of local businesses.