The outgoing chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnodim Nnaji has faced strong criticism from the Concerned Civil Society Advocacy Group for making malicious statements labelling the Nigeria Air project “a fraud”.
The civil society group accused Nnaji of mischief and claimed that both the committee and Nnaji had been involved in all stages of the Nigeria Air project. They argued that the negative information circulating about the project was merely an attempt to tarnish its reputation unjustly.
In a press statement made available to Science Nigeria, the group said, “Recent media reports have claimed that the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has declared the national carrier project a fraud following a hastily organised ‘public hearing’ with a predetermined outcome.
“As usual, opponents of the Nigerian Air project have deceived many gullible Nigerians through deliberate misinformation disguised as national interest.
“The benefits of a national carrier, such as competitive ticket prices, direct flights to international destinations, and national pride, are well-known to everyone. It is therefore puzzling why certain individuals are making concerted efforts to ensure the project’s failure.
“As a group that believes Nigeria deserves a robust national carrier driven by the private sector (taking into account the issues that led to the demise of the defunct Nigeria Airways), we have closely followed the project’s progress, from the appointment of transaction advisers to the announcement of Ethiopian Airlines as the strategic partner and other private sector investors, until the court injunction obtained by some domestic airline operators.
“It is surprising, therefore, that the chairman of the House Committee on Aviation would make such a declaration shortly before the end of the Committee’s tenure.”
The group wondered why Nnaji, whose committee had been a part of the deliberations from the beginning, would suddenly claim ignorance.
“Why did they wait until the final hours of their departure from the National Assembly to hold a make-belief public hearing where the chairman acted as the sole administrator, preventing contributions from those in charge and went ahead to declare the national carrier project a fraud, contradicting the position of the Senate?
“Is the committee unaware that the government’s equity in the airline is only 5 per cent, while the remaining 95 per cent belongs to the strategic partners (Ethiopian Airlines) and other private investors? Even if the government withdraws from the venture, the owners of the 95 per cent will continue operations.
“Regarding the use of Ethiopian Airlines’ planes, why didn’t the committee highlight the 49 per cent ownership of Nigeria Air, which includes the provision of aeroplanes for take-off?
“Can the Committee invalidate an Executive Council-approved project that was facilitated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and approved by the president?
“Why are some members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) vehemently opposed to the national carrier project, if not for the purpose of exploiting air travellers continuously? Should Nigerians be subjected to the whims and caprices of these airline operators who have made air transportation in the country unaffordable for the average citizen?
“Why would the Association claim that they were not involved in the process when every stage was advertised in national dailies, international publications, and electronic and social media? Moreover, all information regarding the airline has been available on the websites of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Ministry of Aviation. Where is this supposed secrecy they are talking about?”
In the statement co-signed by the national coordinator, Baker Barkindo and national secretary, Julius Adaji, respectively, the group expressed its belief that the establishment of the national carrier would provide immense benefits to Nigerians, including competitive rates for both domestic and international routes.
The group also said it remained optimistic that there is more to “this apparent plot to undermine the project than meets the eye, especially considering the close relationship with the major actors involved in depriving Nigerians of the inherent benefits”.
In conclusion, the group firmly asserted that all the negative rumours making the rounds about the Nigeria Air project “are merely attempts to tarnish its reputation unjustly”.
It appealed to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the airline’s take-off, which was already at an advanced stage before the legal hurdle impeded its progress.
