Audio By Carbonatix
Nigeria's government has announced that a new national airline - Nigeria Air - will start operating in December.
The name and logo was unveiled by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, at an airshow in London.
The government announced last year that it was investing almost $5m (£3.8m) to build a new national airline - 14 years after state-owned Nigeria Airways went bust.
Minister @hadisirika: New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports. Lagos currently does 8 million per annum (was built in 1979 for 200,000 passengers annually), while Abuja does 5 million. #NigeriaAtFarnborough
— Government of Nigeria (@AsoRock) July 18, 2018
"Nigeria has unfortunately not been a serious player in aviation for a long time. We used to be a dominant player, through Nigeria Airways, but sadly not anymore," Mr Sirika said.
The government would have a maximum stake of 5% in the airline, he said, adding:
“This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.
Latest Stories
-
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister commissions Passport Application Centre in Goaso
6 minutes -
Choose people and planet over war – UN Secretary-General’s New Year message to world leaders
28 minutes -
Police nab suspect over foiled gold robbery plot at Manso Abrense
39 minutes -
Philadelphia Church camp meeting causes massive gridlock on Accra-Kumasi Highway
51 minutes -
“Truth with danger saves generations” — Dr Duffuor urges integrity-led renewal in New Year message
55 minutes -
Gold boosts Cedi to shatter 30-year losing streak
1 hour -
Zelensky says peace deal is 90% ready in New Year address
3 hours -
Fireworks, faith, and flashlight vigils usher in 2026 across Ghana
3 hours -
Mahama calls for prosperity, peace and progress in New Year Message
5 hours -
Côte d’Ivoire stun Gabon with last-minute 3–2 thriller to top Group F
6 hours -
Ho zongo community slams REGSEC over two-week mosque closure
7 hours -
AFCON Round of 16: Senegal, DR Congo win big to advance
7 hours -
Tema police foil armed robbery attempt at Afienya; Four suspects killed
8 hours -
Two dead, two in custody over fatal family land feud
8 hours -
Anthony Joshua discharged from hospital after fatal road crash
9 hours
