Nigeria Air: FG Revives Plan to Launch National Carrier

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to establishing a national carrier before the conclusion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure. This announcement was made in Abuja by Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a handover ceremony by his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole.

Dr. Kana revealed that President Tinubu and the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, have tasked him and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, with two critical objectives: the establishment of a national carrier and the enhancement of airport security and operations.

He stated, “My deployment to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is timely. I have been given clear instructions to achieve two key tasks within this period. The first is to ensure the realization of a national carrier, and the second is to sanitize our airports across the country. There is no better time to achieve this than now—if not yesterday.”

Dr. Kana expressed confidence that the national carrier would be operational within President Tinubu’s administration as part of the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He also emphasized the importance of modernizing airport operations to meet global standards, ensuring seamless travel for passengers. “Our airports must operate like airports worldwide. Passengers should feel comfortable and move effortlessly from one point to another,” he said.

The new permanent secretary called for collaboration among the ministry’s directors, agency heads, and staff to improve the aviation industry. Highlighting the need for private-sector involvement, he noted, “Resources are scarce, but with the right environment and partnerships, the aviation sector can reach its full potential. I am committed to making Nigeria a better place.”

Dr. Meribole, in his remarks, encouraged ministry staff to support Dr. Kana in achieving the government’s vision for the aviation sector.