Tinubu Administration Halts ‘Air Nigeria’ Project Initiated by Former President Buhari

The Nigerian government has indefinitely suspended the “Air Nigeria” project, citing an attempt to impersonate a foreign airline operating in the country.

The aircraft, presented by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, was more than 10 years old and was owned by Ethiopian Airlines. The Concerned Northern Forum criticized the “Nigeria Air” launch as a poorly planned endeavor based on falsehoods, deception, and corruption involving billions of naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing the contentious Nigeria Air agreement overseen by former aviation minister Sirika, who is facing eight charges.

A Federal High Court in Abuja granted Sirika, his daughter, and two others N100 million bail each for the alleged N2.7 billion fraud. The court specified that the accused would be detained if they do not meet the bail requirements and are prohibited from traveling abroad without court approval.