ICRC says Nigeria Air to begin operations in 2023

Nigerian Air will commence operations before the conclusion of President Buhari's government, according to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). The FG also stated that six cargo agro airports will be built in each of the six geopolitical zones.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, the ICRC Acting DG, Mr. Michael Ohiani, revealed this.

He went on to say that the process has been boosted by a fresh presidential clearance and that the Commission is working closely with the Ministry of Aviation.

Last year’s reports stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had authorized April 2022 as the start date for Nigeria Air, the country's national airline.

Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, announced that strategic equity partners will control 49 percent of the Nigeria Air project and Nigerians will own 46 percent, with the Federal Government owning 5% of the shares.

"I want to assure the Nigerian public that we are working around the clock to get it functioning," the ICRC chief stated. We're collaborating with the Ministry of Aviation, and we just received presidential approval." We'll acquire the concessionaire, and after we've gotten the concessionaire, which is a big step, we'll go on to the question of operation.

"I can tell you that Air Nigeria will begin flying before the conclusion of this administration," he stated.

He further claimed that the FG is nearing the completion of plans to build six cargo agro airports in each of the six geopolitical zones.

He went on to say that the cargo airports, which are still in the planning stages, are part of the current administration's resolve to enhance agriculture, and that the airport will help with the transportation of goods both within and beyond Nigeria.

On the Presidential Aviation Road Map, he indicated that the FG is working on the concession of terminal operations at the four international airports and that the ICRC is now looking for companies to run the terminals.

"Aside from that, we have MRO, which is the development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities." As we speak, an investor has surfaced in this regard, and we are working to complete the transaction.

The Aviation Leasing Company has also been established.

"Experience has proven that in order to have a sustainable aviation business, you need a leasing company so that operators can acquire fleets of planes simply," he said.