In light of the contentious unveiling of Nigeria Air, the new national carrier, using an Ethiopian Airline aircraft, the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has called for an urgent meeting to examine the project.
Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, has been summoned to attend the meeting along with all relevant documents and personnel associated with the national carrier.
According to reports, the Federal Government revealed Nigeria Air to the nation on Friday, causing significant nationwide uproar.
It was further disclosed that Ethiopian Airline repainted and rebranded one of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft at a cost of N139.3 billion ($300 million), solely for the purpose of the painting job.
An invitation memorandum, dated May 30, 2023, and bearing reference number NASS/9/HR17/120, was issued by the committee clerk, Bassy Edem.
The memorandum stated, “On Friday, May 26, 2023, the nation was flooded with viral reports and videos of the Nigeria Air project unveiling under highly controversial circumstances.
As a parliamentary committee entrusted with overseeing the aviation sector of the economy, we consider it necessary to receive a comprehensive briefing on the project.”
The memorandum further directed Dr. Meribole to attend an emergency session with the committee on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and requested his presence along with all individuals and agencies associated with the project.
However, it has been reported that the Permanent Secretary requested additional time to gather all the required documents and individuals related to the project.
Consequently, the meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 7, based on the ministry’s appeal for additional time.
The invitation listed several documents that are demanded, including:
i. The full business case (FBC) prepared by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
ii. Complete disclosure of the ownership structure of Nigeria Air, including details of equity contributions made by individuals, organizations, and consortiums. This should include names, addresses, phone numbers, and registration certificates of businesses involved.
iii. All private-public partnership (PPP) agreements reached and signed with Ethiopian Airlines regarding the project.
iv. All private-public partnership agreements reached and signed with other stakeholders in Nigeria Air.
v. Pertinent documents, permits, and receipts relating to the subject matter.
vi. Shareholders’ agreements.
vii. Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) agreement.
viii. Any other documents that can assist the committee in carrying out its assignment.