Nigerian governmen has withdrawn from Nigeria Air Project: Ethiopian Airlines

Two months after the Federal Government indefinitely suspended the proposed Nigeria Air project, Ethiopian Airlines has announced that the Nigerian government has withdrawn its interest.

Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, made the announcement in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, stating, “The Nigerian government has lost interest in partnering with a foreign airline.”

The Federal Government suspended the Nigeria Air project on May 27, following criticism from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who cited concerns over an unfavorable ownership structure that could hinder the growth of local businesses.

Unveiled in 2023 by the Ministry of Aviation under former Minister Hadi Sirika, the Nigeria Air project originally had Ethiopian Airlines holding a 49% equity stake, the Federal Government 5%, and a consortium of Nigerian investors holding 46%.