By Dipo Olowookere
The name of the new national carrier for the country was on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 announced by the federal government in the United Kingdom.
Minister of State for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, unveiled the new name as Nigeria Air at the Farnborough International Airshow in London, England.
During the unveiling, the Minister also revealed the logo of the airline, which is replacing the defunct Nigeria Airways, which was liquidated as a result of mismanagement.
At the fair, the Minister said government was already holding discussions with two key manufacturers of airplanes in the world; Boeing and Airbus.
“We’ve been talking to Airbus and Boeing (and they are present at this event) regarding the aircraft for and we will be making announcements very soon. We are currently negotiating,” Mr Sirika informed participants.
The Minister said Nigeria Air is private sector-led and driven.
“It is a business, not a social service. Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this,” he said.
However, Mr Sirika emphasised that, “The Nigerian government will not own more than 5 percent (maximum) of the new national carrier.”