Reps Query partnership arrangement with Ethiopian Airline on National carrier
Njideka Ozoalor
The House of Representatives has queried the Nigeria-Ethiopia arrangement on the national air carrier, Nigeria Air.
The lawmakers made their stand known in Abuja during a public hearing on the Nigeria Air project by the House Committee on Aviation
The public hearing was to discuss how best to achieve the project.
In their remarks at the public hearing members of the committee expressed the displeasure over the 5 % alloted to government 46% to private investors and a larger percentage of 49% to the Ethiopia Airlines.
The Chairman of the committee, Nnoli Nnaji noted that the nation had encountered some challenges in the sector ranging from flights cancellation, delays, aviation fuel among others and said there was need to profer lasting lasting solutions to the issues
He stressed that despite the fact that Nigeria needed a national carrier, it must be done to benefit the country and local investors more.
The committee expressed the fears that the country would be short changed based on the present arrangement
The Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized that the issue of national carrier was critical to the socio-economic development of the country hence the need to accord it the importance it deserved.
In his presentation, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika stated that the National carrier has advanced significantly as it is projected to take off latest december this year based on the directive of president Muhammadu Buhari.
Senator Sirika explained that all the international airports in the country are now free economic zones to attract more investment
The Minister also said the federal government would deliver six cargo terminals in six days time with others at various stages of completion pointed out that they would be handed over to the private sectors for optimal performance.
On the issue of the partnership agreement, the Minister maintained that the bidding followed due process and the option the best for the country at present as the ministry wanted to boost the confidence of investors.
He added that Ethiopian Airlines is one of the best in the world
