The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for suspending everything bout Nigeria Air and the clandestine concession of airports by the failed Muhammadu Buhari regime.
Speaking in statement signed by its spokesman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, made available to journalists Friday, AON said Keyamo’s action was in the best interest of the country.
According to the statement, AON, urged the Minister to further show his patriotic zeal in pushing forward the aviation roadmap and ensuring transparency in every issue that has to do with the aviation sector in the best interest of Nigeria.
“We, the entire membership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), commend the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, for suspending every activity related to the operationalisation of Nigeria Air.
“By the action, the minister has displayed rare courage and great patriotism to save Nigeria from further embarrassment in the aviation world.
“Aside from stakeholders in the aviation industry, it was evident to everyone who had followed developments around the Nigeria Air project under the immediate past administration that the idea was not only ill-thought-out but also lacked any modicum of transparency. It was therefore no surprise that the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation which investigated the process and purported launch of Nigeria Air on Friday, June 2, 2023 described it as a ‘fraud’.
“It remains a puzzle to Nigerians why the processes of actualizing such a major national project was shrouded in almost utter secrecy until the end of the last government. However, we remain confident that by suspending the Nigeria Air project to allow for a thorough review, the Aviation Minister Olorogun Keyamo SAN will put things right and help restore Nigeria’s image in the global aviation family.
“AON continues to believe that it is not right to float a national carrier on the terms set out by the last Aviation Minister, which would undermine, even destroy, the aviation sector in Nigeria with Ethiopian Airlines waiting on the wings for total takeover.
“We have no doubt that the new Aviation Minister has the right vision for the development of the sector which is driven by public interest considerations for the good of Nigerians.
“Again, the AON commends the Minister for the great leadership he has shown so early in his tenure and pledge our unalloyed support in his quest to reform the aviation sector and implement other components of the aviation roadmap for the overall good of the Nigerian economy,” the statement read.
