The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its partners in the Nigeria Air project to immediately suspend flights operations and every other actions with respect to the Nigeria Air.
The House also urged the ministry to ensure that all individuals, groups or organization involved in the Nigeria Air Take-Off are brought to book, prosecuted and sanctioned
The Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Mr Nnoli Nnaji, gave the directive during a meeting with the stakeholders in the Nigeria air project.
He expressed concern by the launching of Nigeria Air despite an existing court order restraining such action.
Mr Nnaji also expressed dismay by the role played by Ethiopian Airline in the process, saying it does not speak well of the excellent brotherly relationship existing between the two nations.
“A careful review of the process indicates the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community. We want to put on record, that the Committee and indeed the National Assembly had no role in the purported launch of Nigeria Air or anything related thereof.
“While the Committee and indeed the parliament is not opposed to Nigeria having a National Carrier, as a matter of fact having a National Carrier is highly desirable to us as a people and Nigeria, as a nation. However, such a process should be transparent and all embracing. We as a Committee would not accept any attempt by any individual or group of individuals or organization to hide under the project and siphon our commonwealths.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said that Nigeria Air was not launched but unveiled, saying the Ministry followed due processes in the unveiling.
He however reminded the meeting that Airline Operators are in court on the project and that the matter should not be discussed.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema described the Air Nigeria Project as a ruse, saying the idea of national carrier was outdated and countries no longer get involved in it.