The EFCC summons Sirika, a former aviation minister, to question Nigerian air officials (Details)

Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, has been summoned to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In addition, officials of Nigerian Air were questioned by the anti-graft agency regarding the airline's recent launch in Abuja.

Thisday learned that the commission had already questioned some alleged officials of Nigerian Air, even though the minister was scheduled to appear before it within the next week to answer questions about the launch of the airline dressed in Ethiopian colors.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC's spokesperson, acknowledged that the investigation was ongoing when contacted, but he was unable to provide any additional information.

He stated;

"I can confirm that there is currently an investigation in that regard."

According to reliable sources, the commission will examine the N3 billion invested in the project, despite the assertions of some stakeholders that the project cost more than N80 billion.

At the end of Buhari's administration, the minister had orchestrated the alleged launch of Nigerian Air using an Ethiopian aircraft in Abuja.

The fact that an Ethiopian airline that landed in Nigeria wearing Ethiopian colors was disguised as a national carrier outraged stakeholders.

During a recent interview with Arise News Channel, the minister had stated that the Ethiopian plane's landing in Abuja was "a marketing strategy."

The source said;

“We have already questioned some officials of Nigerian Air.

“We have invited the former Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika.

We are expecting him within the week”.

Last week, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) made it clear that the airline was still in the first phase of a five-step process to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) so that it could carry passengers and conduct business.

Additionally, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had consistently opposed the concept for a variety of reasons.