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
-
Bolivian minister’s convoy ambushed while overseeing roadblock clearance
20 minutes -
One killed and many feared trapped under collapsed building in Philippines
24 minutes -
Trump tells US negotiators ‘not to rush’ into deal with Iran
32 minutes -
Conte to leave Napoli a year after winning Serie A
36 minutes -
Iraola signs off after writing new Bournemouth chapter
40 minutes -
Fifi Folson marks 20 years on air with Thanksgiving Service, launches teen gospel initiative
47 minutes -
The moment that broke Guardiola on day a decade of glory ended
55 minutes -
Raducanu beaten in French Open first round
1 hour -
Sabalenka cuts media short as French Open players protest
1 hour -
Ghana’s Jada Yankey clocks new personal best at AP Race London International
2 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Berekum Chelsea end season on high with win over Bechem
2 hours -
Alleged shooting of chief’s brother by galamseyers triggers tension at Gwira Ampansie
2 hours -
Livestream: The Probe examines New Decentralisation Policy
3 hours -
Enterprise Insurance pays over GH¢280m in claims in 2025
3 hours -
Ato Forson congratulates Benin’s former finance minister on inauguration as President
3 hours