Ethiopian Airlines Consortium Disputes Keyamo’s Claims on Nigeria Air Project
In a formal petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ethiopian Airlines Consortium has urged the Nigerian government to intervene in an ongoing dispute involving Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and the controversial national carrier project.
In a petition signed by Mr. Michael Adebayo and sighted by the Economic Confidential, the consortium, which has maintained a collaborative relationship with Nigeria for over 70 years, expressed concerns that Keyamo’s recent allegations could undermine this longstanding partnership.
The allegations made by Keyamo, which he labeled as a “fraud,” have received significant media attention and sparked public debate regarding the Nigeria Air project.
In a recent Aviation Industry Zoom meeting, Keyamo raised issues about certain clauses in what he referred to as a “Master Agreement,” a term the consortium strongly refutes, asserting that the correct designation is the “Establishment and Operations Agreement.”
In their letter, the Consortium provided documentation to back their claims, including copies of the agreement currently held by the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the Ministry of Justice.
The consortium also addressed specific statements made by Keyamo regarding staffing, tax measures, and the operations of the airline. They clarified that while it is common for strategic investors to provide initial management staff, Nigerians had already been shortlisted for important positions.
Additionally, the consortium countered the assertion that profits would be repatriated to Ethiopia, explaining that under Nigerian laws, a company with a 51% local ownership structure would see the majority of its profits remain in Nigeria.
Highlighting the potential ramifications of Keyamo’s remarks, the Ethiopian Airlines Consortium warned that such negative portrayals could deter foreign direct investment in Nigeria, which they deemed critical to the government’s broader reform efforts.
They reiterated their willingness to support whatever direction the Nigerian government chooses regarding the national carrier but stressed the need for fair representation and communication.
The consortium concluded their letter with a heartfelt request for President Tinubu to urge the Minister to discontinue the disparagement of their organization and reassured their commitment to fostering a positive relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
As the aviation community watches closely, this unfolding situation raises important questions about the future of Nigeria’s national carrier and the integrity of partnerships in the aviation sector.
