AON commends judiciary for nullifying Nigeria Air sale to Ethiopian Airlines
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has expressed profound appreciation and praise for the Nigerian judiciary following the Federal High Court’s decision to nullify the sale of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines.
This landmark judgment, delivered by Justice A. Alagoa in Lagos, has been lauded for its adherence to justice and the protection of national interests.
The court declared that the sale of Nigeria Air’s shares and operations to Ethiopian Airlines was in violation of multiple regulations, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the SEC Nigeria Consolidated Rules & Regulations 2013 (amended in 2022), the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention, the Civil Aviation Act, the Public Procurement Act, and other related aviation and investment laws.
Justice Alagoa’s judgment stated unequivocally that the entire process of the sale was invalid, void, and of no effect.
It further emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines was not qualified to bid for shares in Nigeria Air or to commence business under this guise. The court ordered the cancellation of the entire bidding and selection processes for the Nigeria Air project, along with the approval and selection of Ethiopian Airlines by the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.
Moreover, the court directed the immediate revocation and cancellation of the Air Transport License (ATL) issued to Nigeria Air Limited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and issued a perpetual injunction preventing any further actions related to the sale and transfer of Nigeria Air’s operations.
In a news statement, AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision.
“The bold and patriotic declarations and orders made by the court today leave no doubt that the entire bidding, approval, and unveiling processes of the purported national carrier were a sham designed to deceive Nigerians,” he said.
He added, “It was a covert plan to undermine Nigerian indigenous airlines and hand over Nigeria’s significant aviation market to Ethiopian Airlines without any investment in the Nigerian economy, serving the interests of a few unpatriotic individuals.”
Alhaji Sarina also thanked the judiciary for withstanding immense pressure and for proving to be the protector of the common man’s interests.
He extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, specifically the current Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, for suspending the Nigeria Air project. “Mr. Keyamo saw the truth and aligned with it for the sake of the country”.
