The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is investigating his predecessor, Hadi Sirikaover the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Air deal.
He spoke while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
Asked about the Nigeria Air deal, Keyamo said: “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”
Keyamo also disclosed that no local airline would be designated as a national airline, adding that “we will establish a proper national carrier.”
In August, Keyamo had faulted the deal by Sirika and suspended the whole arrangement to allow for an audit of contracts.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had launched the Nigeria Air, a few days before the end of his administration.
The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air, had forced veteran aviator Girma Wake to resign as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.
The then Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, had said the aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.
He added that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling on the last day of the Buhari administration in May.
Nigeria Air: EFCC investigating ex-Aviation Minister Sirika – Keyamo