Haidi Sirika says Nigeria is right destination for airline business
Minister of State for Aviation, Haidi Sirika, says the population of Nigeria makes it a viable place for airline business.
Sirika who was speaking at the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai on Tuesday, said the proposed new national career Nigeria Air will be run by private hands.
He promised that the airline would run smoothly without any government interference.
“Nigeria is situated at the centre of Africa, equidistant from all locations in the continent, 30.4 million square kilometres and very green land.
“If Central and Eastern Africa is the belt of the continent, then Nigeria is the buckle; 200 million people and a rising middle class, the propensity to fly is high.
“Nigeria is a candidate for national carrier.
“The airline would be private, yes. Five per cent government and no government stepping right in that company, no government control, no membership of government on board. Totally private and committed.
“Whatever we say we will do as a government since 2015, it has happened.
“That is why, Emirates, Qatar Airways and all of them are looking to go into Nigeria at multiple frequencies and multiple landing points because Nigeria is the right place for the airline business,” Sirika said.
