Lagos: The Federal Government’s pursuit of a national carrier has been a long-standing endeavour, marked by both initial successes and subsequent setbacks. From the records, Nigeria had made not less than 11 attempts to float a national carrier, out of which only four-Nigeria Airways, Virgin Nigeria, Nigeria Eagle, and Air Nigeria-took off.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the establishment of a national carrier has been a recurring theme, not just because it represents national pride but also because it creates jobs, boosts tourism, fosters international trade, generates revenues, and supports economic growth. It was, therefore, not surprising that the recent announcement that the Federal Government would no longer push for the establishment of a national carrier was greeted with mixed reactions from stakeholders.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently disclosed in Lagos that the Federal Government would no longer establish a national carrier, but would give full support to the growth and expansion of domestic airlines. During the launch of a book titled ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’ by Wole Shadare, the minister stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to driving policies that would support the growth and development of local airlines.
Keyamo clarified on his verified X handle (@fkeyamo) that while the government would not directly invest in a new national carrier, it remains open to private or public initiatives for establishing a national carrier that benefits Nigeria. This distinction between a national carrier and a flag carrier highlights the government’s direction in aviation policy.
A national carrier is wholly government-owned and operated, representing the country in aviation-related bilateral agreements. Examples include Air France (France), Qantas (Australia), and Emirates (UAE). It can also be government-owned and privately managed, as seen with Ethiopian Airlines. A flag carrier, on the other hand, is a privately-owned airline designated by the government to represent the country on international routes, like United Airlines in the USA or British Airways in the UK.
Nigeria Airways, established in 1958 as West African Airways Corporation Nigeria, later became Nigeria Airways in 1971 and was a wholly owned entity of the Nigerian government for most of its existence. Despite its early success, it ceased operations in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and overstaffing, leaving behind debts exceeding $60 million.
The latest attempt to establish a national carrier was the inauguration of Nigeria Air on May 27, 2023, just before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The Federal Government partnered with Ethiopian Air, which had a controlling 49% stake in the new airline. However, this partnership faced opposition from aviation stakeholders who argued that Nigeria Air was neither a government-owned national carrier nor a locally-owned flag carrier.
Minister Keyamo criticized the Ethiopian Airlines deal as unfair to Nigerian airlines, declaring it “fraudulent and anti-Nigeria” and announcing its indefinite suspension. Some industry players welcomed the suspension, agreeing with the minister’s focus on supporting local airlines instead.
Aviation experts like Group Capt. John Ojikutu and Mr. Abdulmalik Jibreel advocate for a flag carrier to represent Nigeria internationally without the financial and operational burdens of a national carrier. They emphasize that a flag carrier could maximize benefits from Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Conversely, some industry voices, such as former Flight Captain Wale Otubanjo and JCNC Chairman Hector Nnadi, argue for a government-funded national carrier as a symbol of national pride and economic growth. They believe that with proper management, a national carrier could significantly impact various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Overall, there is a strong consensus on the need for a national or flag carrier in Nigeria. While opinions differ on government involvement, many believe a carrier is crucial for Nigeria’s aviation sector and economic development.
