Ethiopian Airlines has denied reports that the company is planning to revive the failed Nigerian national airline project in collaboration with the Nigerian government. These speculations were sparked by a visit by Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines officials, however, stressed that the meeting with CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele focused on general developments in African aviation and not on the failed Nigeria Air project.
The Nigeria Air project was first unveiled in July 2018 at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom. Ethiopian Airlines was planned to hold a 49% stake in the new airline, while the Nigerian government would own 5% and other investors would own the remaining 46%. The airline was scheduled to begin operations on May 29, 2023, after receiving its first aircraft, a Boeing 26-2023, on May 737, 800. However, the launch was delayed several times due to opposition from Nigerian airlines and problems in obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). In August 2023, Ethiopian Airlines announced that it would begin operations in October 2023 with a fleet of eight owned and XNUMX leased aircraft.
Despite these plans, the project was put on hold indefinitely in May 2024 by the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the project as a "fraud" and criticized the involvement of foreign companies, which he said could hinder the development of local airlines. In July 2024, Ethiopian Airlines confirmed that the Nigerian government was no longer interested in partnering for Nigeria Air. CEO Mesfin Tasew stated that the government was no longer interested in working with foreign airlines. In January 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, clarified that there were no plans to revive the failed Nigeria Air project with Ethiopian Airlines. He stressed that any future decision on a national aviation project would be made under the direction of the President and the Aviation Minister.
Current developments
The recent visit of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to Addis Ababa led to speculation about a possible revival of the Nigeria Air project. However, Ethiopian Airlines officials clarified that the meeting with CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele focused on general developments in African aviation and not on the failed Nigeria Air project. This clarification underscores the current stance of both parties not to revive the project.
The future of a national airline in Nigeria remains uncertain. While the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari pushed the Nigeria Air project, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has put the project on hold, stressing the need to strengthen local airlines. It remains to be seen whether future initiatives will be undertaken to establish a national airline in Nigeria and how they will be structured.
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