After Failing To Fly Nigeria Air, Sirika Promises Nigeria To Manufacture Airplanes Before Buhari Leaves Office

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has stated that under the President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration, Nigeria would start manufacturing airplanes.

 

The minister made this fresh promise two years after failing to get Nigeria Air, the country’s highly-publicised national carrier, to fly.

 

During an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary, Sirika expressed confidence that the production of airplanes would commence in Nigeria before Buhari’s tenure elapsed.

 

“If we venture with them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, James Odaudu, the ministry’s spokesman quoted Sirika as saying in a statement.

 

 Recall that in 2018, Sirika disclosed the suspension of Nigeria Air after making known that the project was expected to gulp $8.8 million preliminary costs and $300 million as take-off costs.

 

“I regret to announce that the Federal Executive Council has taken the tough decision to suspend the National Carrier Project in the interim. All commitments due will be honoured. We thank the public for the support as always,” he announced.

 

Sirika had made members of the public believe that the Buhari-led government would float Nigeria Air to succeed Nigeria Airways.

 

Nigeria Airways became moribund due to corruption and poor management.

 

More than a decade after the national career stopped operations, however, the numerous controversies surrounding its winding up are yet to be resolved.