The former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, says the Federal Government did not pay a dime for the launch of Nigeria Air on May 26, 2023.
Sirika added that the N3 billion released by the Federal Government towards establishing Nigeria Air was not completely spent.
The former minister made this known during a programme on Arise TV on Sunday, June 11.
He said: “From 2016 to 2023, the budget for Nigeria Air is N5 billion and only 3 billion was released, and up till today, the money has not been completely spent.
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“It is ridiculous to think that we’ll hire and paint an aircraft for N138 billion, which could get us five new Boeing 777max.
“We are responsible people and the general public should approach Ministry of Information and apply for the right of information to see for themselves.
“The House Committee Chairman on Aviation asked for five per cent of Nigeria Air for himself and his people. I asked him to approach the owners of the airline.
“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo handed Nigeria Airways to his friend company, Arik Air, which is indebted to the tune of over N300 billion of which Nigeria taxpayers money is N250 billion via AMCON.
“So, do we hand it over to Arik?”
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