The Nigerian government has faulted the claim by the Ethiopian Airlines’ Chief Executive, Tewolde Gebremariam, that the airline is favoured to establish and manage country’s national carrier, Nigeria Air.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, faulted the claim on Tuesday in a statement by the ministry’s spokesman, James Odaudu.
Mr Sirika’s statement was a response to the inquiry by the News Agency of Nigeria, to the claim by Mr Gebremariam recently in Addis Ababa.
Mr Sirika said even if Ethiopian Airlines had tendered an offer to be partner, it is preposterous and misleading for Ethiopian Airlines boss to make such a statement.
According to him, discussions are ongoing with prospective partners and investors ranging from development finance institutions, airlines and Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs.
“And these discussions are not limited to the establishment of a national carrier.
“There are other components of the Aviation Roadmap for which investors are being sought,” he added.
