Disagree on reason for project suspension

During the unveiling of the logo of the Nigeria Air at the Farnborough Air Show, Sirika had insisted that the airline will be privately-operated.

Sunday Ani and Job Osazuwa



Like a house divided, there is discordant tune in the President Buhari-led Federal Executive Council as two key ministers have openly disagreed over reason for the suspension of the national carrier project, Nigeria Air.


…Experts react

While Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the action was taken due to investors’ apathy, as those who were supposed to partner with the government on the project were no longer forthcoming, Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika fell short of calling him a liar.

“This couldn’t be farther from the truth,” he said.

Faulting his colleague, he insisted that the national carrier project had an avalanche of well-grounded and ready investors.

During the unveiling of the logo of the Nigeria Air at the Farnborough Air Show, Sirika had insisted that the airline will be privately-operated.

“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.”

But barely two months after its proposal, Sirika had on September 19 revealed that Nigeria Air, which was supposed to begin operations in December, had been suspended indefinitely by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).


No reason was given

However, addressing journalists on Monday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, Mohammed said government took the step because investors who were supposed to partner with the government on the project, backed out.

“If the understanding of government at the beginning was that the project might be self-financing or the project would be financed by investors and you think that such a project can no longer be sponsored by investors, either because they are not forthcoming or such venture can no longer be viable, the government is at the discretion to take a decision.

“The position of government in business is to provide the enabling environment and it is not to become the sole source of finance or funding and in addition, there is much more than funding in trying to get our national carrier. So, the Federal Government thinks this thing should be stepped down now until we get a better funding structure.”

But a few hours later, Sirika reacted. In a statement by Mr. James Odaudu, deputy director, Media and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, he said the national carrier project had an avalanche of well-grounded and ready investors.

The investors, according to him, included international finance institutions such as the Afro-Exim Bank, African Development Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, aircraft manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing.
“They also include airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Air etc. and some reputable individuals and entrepreneurs.

“The Office of the Minister of State for Aviation has noted, with consternation, various opinions, comments and observations in the media regarding the status and the reasons for the recent suspension of the processes leading to the establishment of a Nigerian national carrier.

“Among the reasons being given for its suspension, especially in the social media is the absence of interested and ready investors.

“This couldn’t be farther from the truth, as the national carrier project has an avalanche of well-grounded and ready investors,” he said.

The minister also stated that the country’s participation at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom in July was not for the sole purpose of unveiling the Nigeria Air logo contrary to public belief.

He explained that the air show was also a meeting point with those potential investors who saw the event as another opportunity to market and reemphasize their interests in the project.

“It is also pertinent to clarify that the Federal Executive Council only suspended the process for the establishment of the national carrier for the time being. The project has not been killed. These clarifications have been made in the public interest,” he said.

http://sunnewsonline.com/buharis-ministers-fight-over-nigeria-air/

Buhari council of thieves!

While Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the action was taken due to investors’ apathy, as those who were supposed to partner with the government on the project were no longer forthcoming, Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika fell short of calling him a liar.

Calling Lai a Lai-ya

Minister of State for aviation is talking without speaking.

So why was the National Carrier suspended.

Too many commotion in this country

Confusion in the king's cabinet!


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Come into my PM!
Come hire!!

Thieves

Confused set of Thieves

Ok

ARMED BANDITS IN BABANRIGA

Good people of Nigeria, let's send that deadbeat back to his village. The Man is truly lifeless in every aspect. Imagine, Saraki and Dogara decamping and doing anti party activities since inception(WEAKEST NIGERIAN PRESIDENT). The final blow is about to happen, Cabinet ministers will soon decamp which will scatter the dullard.
#BACKTODAURA

I beg..... I taya for these ministers

Total nonsense... propaganda government

Show of shame

Me vote for Buhari...

Which kain country be this

Fight kwa?

naijaking1:
Buhari council of thieves!

Aunty Kemi would be sat in London reading this on her IPAD, and thanking her lucky stars she doesn't have to deal with this rancorous lot anymore!

the management who managed NLNG should be called to manage this if it will be a partner..ship with F.g,though i prefer total private driving

God help us and this government

Yesterday investors are trooping into Nigeria in their numbers because of pmbs good policies ----lai Muhammad

Today investors are showing showing apathy---- lai Muhammad

I remember betting with a zombie on nairaland then that this airline project will die before the scheduled December take off. Am looking for that thread to harass him for the proceeds of our bet.

The truth is that the only way that airline would have worked under this govt was if Jonathan conceptualized it, sourced for its bilateral or multilateral partners, bought the planes and made the fed govts counterpart funds available before leaving office for Buhari and his cohorts to come commission.
But for Buhari and his dullard cabinet of forgers to run this from conceptual stage to take off? Its not possible. They are bereft of ideas. What can they point as their achievement in the last 4 years

Smh... Confused lots!

make una fight una be mate

biomedics:
Yesterday investors are trooping into Nigeria in their numbers because of pmbs good policies ----lai Muhammad

Today investors are showing showing apathy---- lai Muhammad

You mind the fool.He have boxed himself into a culdesac as usual.So much confusion in one government.
-DSS versus EFCC versus NIA.
-Intersecurity agency rivalry.
-Executive versus Legislative vs Judiciary.
-Lai Muhammed versus Sirika.
-Amaechi versus Sirika.

eyeview:
I remember betting with a zombie on nairaland then that this airline project will die before the scheduled December take off. Am looking for that thread to harass him for the proceeds of our bet.

The truth is that the only way that airline would have worked under this govt was if Jonathan conceptualized it, sourced for its bilateral or multilateral partners, bought the planes and made the fed govts counterpart funds available before leaving office for Buhari and his cohorts to come commission.
But for Buhari and his dullard cabinet of forgers to run this from conceptual stage to take off? Its not possible. They are bereft of ideas. What can they point as their achievement in the last 4 years

Cc: Sarrki, madridguy, Tinubu, Oshiomole, deomelo, Omenkalives, modath,seunmsg, mynd44 and all BMC present here and outside.

Buhary and APC Government is a complete FRAUD.

Please check very well, you will notice that those still supporting the fraudulent party are religious extremists who double as potential suicide bombers.

eyeview:
I remember betting with a zombie on nairaland then that this airline project will die before the scheduled December take off. Am looking for that thread to harass him for the proceeds of our bet.

Always screenshot bets and bookmark bets in future. If you are searching go ahead use typer the usernames of yourself and other parties to thread.

Sirika hasn't still said anything. That guy seems to be an intelligent man but it seems his hands and mouth are tied; reason he isn't even able to mention the real reason for the suspension. I swear working for the Nigeria government can really be frustrating for non-partisan technocrats.