Nigeria's government has announced that a new national airline - Nigeria Air - will start operating in December.
The name and logo was unveiled by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, at an airshow in London.
Government of Nigeria?@AsoRock
Minister @hadisirika: New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports. Lagos currently does 8 million per annum (was built in 1979 for 200,000 passengers annually), while Abuja does 5 million. #NigeriaAtFarnborough
Government of Nigeria?@AsoRock
Minister @hadisirika: #NigeriaAir is scheduled to commence operations in December 2018. #NigeriaAtFarnborough pic.twitter.com/XpvNV04ws8
5:44 AM - Jul 18, 2018
The government announced last year that it was investing almost $5m (£3.8m) to build a new national airline - 14 years after state-owned Nigeria Airways went bust.
"Nigeria has unfortunately not been a serious player in aviation for a long time. We used to be a dominant player, through Nigeria Airways, but sadly not anymore," Mr Sirika said.The government would have a maximum stake of 5% in the airline, he said, adding:“This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.