The Federal Government has confirmed that a new national air carrier will soon be established in Nigeria.
Abubakar Kana, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made this announcement during the recent handing-over ceremony at the ministry. Kana revealed that the creation of a national air carrier is a key priority, and he is committed to seeing it through.
Kana also pledged to overhaul airports across the country, ensuring they meet international standards. “Resources are scarce; we need to embrace the private sector to support Nigeria’s aviation industry,” he added.
Kana, who previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, underscored the importance of aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the aviation sector. He assured full support for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in realizing both the national carrier and airport upgrades.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, expressed his gratitude to the ministry and Nigerians for the opportunity to contribute to the sector’s growth. He highlighted that while his time in service had ended, the progress of the aviation ministry would continue. Meribole called on ministry staff to extend the same cooperation and teamwork to Kana.
“No man is perfect, but I have always wished to leave a place better than how I met it, and I believe I have done that,” he said.
Dr. Udechukwu Osakwe, Director of Finance and Accounts, and Mustapha Abdullahi, Registrar of the African Aviation Aerospace University, both praised Meribole’s dedication to service and meritocracy. Barr. Odugbesan, Director of Legal Services and Senior Adviser to the Minister of Justice, also commended Kana’s leadership skills and passion for talent development.
The event concluded with the signing and handover of the ministry’s strategic and financial documents to Kana.
This announcement follows recent controversies surrounding the Nigeria Air project, signaling the government’s renewed focus on reviving the national air carrier.
