The Minister of In Nigeria, Hadi Sirika, has said that the national carrier, Nigeria Air, will begin operations before President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office on May 29th.
The minister made this known while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Sirika said that “Regarding Nigeria Air, yes, we are on course; and by the Grace of God, before President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office, it will fly.
“We are on course; before May 29, Nigeria Air will fly.”
According to him, something important happened in the aviation industry with FEC’s approval of the Aviation Leasing Company, PUNCH reports.
The minister added that the council also approved the sum of ₦3.5 billion for a contract for photometric and taxiway lights for Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt airports.
He said, “Something very significant has happened in the world of civil aviation; part of our road map, the Aviation Leasing Company has been established and approved by the council.
“Therefore, operators in civil aviation will have access to this equipment at an affordable rate and within our country, Nigeria; this is part of the roadmap. So, the roadmap is gradually coming to 100% completion.
“Second memo was an award of contract for the procurement and installation of taxiway lights and photometric patterns for Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and some other equipment all over the country.
“The total sum of the contract for photometric and taxiway lights is ₦3.5 billion with 7.5% VAT and 12 months completion period.”