JUST IN: Aviation minister confirms public’s reservations as Nigeria Air is suspended indefinitely

When the launch of a national carrier, Nigeria Air was announced months ago, several analysts expressed skepticism about the funding arrangement made by the Federal Government.

Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika said at the time that the government “will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.

“The Nigerian Government will not own more than 5% (maximum) of the new National Carrier. Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it,” he said.

Public observers quickly pointed out that that arrangement may not be feasible nor sustainable.

He may have confirmed those reservations after he disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja that the carrier had been suspended indefinitely.

Sirika, who didn’t give any specific reasons for the suspension, said the federal government took the decision to suspend the procurement of Nigeria Air at today’s Federal Executive Council meeting.