The Federal Government has ruled out plans to establish a national carrier, saying it would be a waste of scarce public resources and unlikely to succeed under government control.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known in Lagos during the unveiling of two newly acquired aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines.
According to Keyamo, government-owned airlines often struggle due to bureaucracy and political interference, making them difficult to manage efficiently.
“We don’t have a national carrier, but we are proud of our flag carriers,” the minister said.
He explained that many countries are moving away from state-owned airlines and instead supporting privately owned carriers that operate on commercial principles.
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s aviation policy is focused on strengthening indigenous airlines rather than investing billions into a government-run carrier.
Keyamo noted that while some state-backed airlines have succeeded, they operate independently of political influence and government bureaucracy.
“It is far better and more profitable to support our flag carriers than to own and run a national airline,” he added.
He also argued that the government has more pressing sectors requiring funding and cannot afford to commit huge resources to a project that may not be sustainable.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines used the occasion to unveil two Boeing 737-800 aircraft named after the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and renowned author Chinua Achebe.
The airline’s chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, called for reforms in the aviation sector, highlighting the high cost of operations and the need for affordable financing for local airlines.
He also announced plans to add two more aircraft to the airline’s fleet later this year.
Source: Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
