The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), representing all domestic airlines in the country, has commended the Nigerian Judiciary for its firm stance in blocking the sale of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines. This decision was hailed as a victory for justice and the preservation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
On August 5, 2024, Justice A. Alagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that the sale of Nigeria Air’s shares to Ethiopian Airlines violated multiple Nigerian laws, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, SEC Nigeria Consolidated Rules & Regulations 2013, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention, and several other aviation and investment regulations. The court deemed the entire bidding and approval process invalid and void.
The ruling also included an order to revoke the Air Transport License (ATL) issued to Nigeria Air Limited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Additionally, a perpetual injunction was issued to prevent the continuation or transfer of Nigeria Air’s operations to Ethiopian Airlines or any related parties.
AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, praised the court’s decision, describing the entire bidding and approval process as a sham designed to undermine Nigerian indigenous airlines. He emphasized that the plan was an attempt to transfer Nigeria’s lucrative aviation market, which has over 85 Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) worldwide, to Ethiopian Airlines without any substantial investment in the Nigerian economy.
“The bold and patriotic declarations and orders made by the court leave no doubt that the entire bidding, approval, and unveiling processes of the purported national carrier were a sham meant to deceive Nigerians,” Sarina stated. He further lauded the judiciary for withstanding significant pressure to deliver a just verdict and for exonerating the AON and other local airlines who sought to protect Nigeria’s interests.
Sarina also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, for suspending the Nigeria Air process initiated by the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika. Sarina applauded Keyamo for his courage and alignment with the truth, prioritizing the country’s welfare.
AON’s response underscores their relief and approval of the court’s decision to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector and prevent what they viewed as a detrimental and illegitimate takeover by Ethiopian Airlines.
