A Federal High Court in Lagos has halted the sale of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines, declaring the transaction null and void. The court’s ruling comes after a suit filed by the Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and several other local airlines, who challenged the fairness and legality of the bidding process.
The court’s ruling temporarily suspends all actions related to the sale until the case is fully heard and determined. This development comes amid ongoing debates about the privatization of Nigeria’s national carrier and its potential impact on the domestic aviation industry.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ordered the Federal Government to cease all actions related to the establishment of Nigeria Air with Ethiopian Airlines. The plaintiffs argued that the bidding process was fraught with irregularities, favoring Ethiopian Airlines and excluding local operators. They highlighted issues such as a lack of transparency, preferential treatment, and the failure to follow proper guidelines.
The plaintiffs included Azman Air Services Limited, Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, and Topbrass Aviation Limited. They claimed the process was influenced by politics and personal interests, which could harm the Nigerian aviation industry.
The court granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, except for a request for N2 billion in damages. This ruling requires a fresh, transparent bidding process that includes local airlines. Additionally, the court ordered the immediate revocation of the Air Transport License issued to Nigeria Air by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
In response to the court’s decision, the Ministry of Aviation has stated that it will comply with the ruling and expressed confidence that the legal issues will be resolved promptly. The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness in the privatization process.
