Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, the task of revitalising efforts to establish a national flag carrier and enhance airport infrastructure to global standards.
The previous attempt to create a national carrier, Nigeria Air, led by Ethiopian Airlines under the Buhari administration, was dismissed by the Tinubu government as inadequate, leading to its declaration as “null and void” due to concerns about its impact on local airlines.
Ongoing discussions suggest potential mergers within the sector, particularly a proposed collaboration between Arik Air and Aero Contractors, both under receivership, which could establish a national carrier.
There are also proposals to designate Air Peace as a flag carrier by making it a publicly traded entity, combining government support with private ownership to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Nigeria is the most populous country in the world not to have had its own flag-carriers.
