The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled shocking details about a controversial agreement signed by his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, that would have handed control of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines. In a widely circulated video, Keyamo explained that the deal essentially allowed a foreign government to dominate Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He emphasized that the Nigerian government stands by its decision to terminate the agreement, stating, “We cannot cede control of our aviation ecosystem to a foreign entity.” According to Keyamo, Ethiopian Airlines was set to become the majority shareholder in the national carrier, a move he described as unacceptable for a country of Nigeria’s size and aspirations.
“Ethiopian Airlines did something similar in Togo with Asky Airlines, but Nigeria is not Togo—we are a big and ambitious nation,” he said.
Keyamo also detailed how the agreement would have adversely affected Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) routes. He explained that a national carrier typically has first priority on these routes, which are highly lucrative.
“Handing those routes to Ethiopian Airlines would mean all profits from them would go to Addis Ababa, not Nigeria,” he warned.
The minister further revealed several concerning clauses in the agreement, including:
- Ethiopian Airlines planning to operate with wet-leased aircraft while directing profits back to Ethiopia.
- Key management positions, such as CEO, financial officer, and director of operations, being reserved exclusively for Ethiopians. Tax exemptions for the airline in Nigeria with no obligation to invest locally.
- Nigeria being made the guarantor for any losses incurred by the airline. Keyamo stated firmly, “This is not a national carrier.”
He assured Nigerians that rejecting the deal did not cost the country any foreign direct investment, as the terms were heavily skewed in Ethiopia’s favor.
