Nigeria's former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has blamed domestic operators Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Azman for the collapse of the Nigeria Air agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, citing legal challenges as the key obstacle.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Sirika defended the deal’s transparency, noting it passed through the Federal Executive Council and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission. “We had an airline, but some people (Air Peace, United and Azman) went to court to say we cannot establish an airline where we take five per cent. That was what stalled it,” he said.

He further urged Nigerians to use the Freedom of Information Act to verify claims of fraud, asserting only N3 billion of a N5 billion budget was spent, with no wrongdoing.

Sirika argued Ethiopian Airlines, with 79 years of experience, partnered due to the limited capacity of local carriers like Air Peace and Azman, which he said lack the fleet size to compete globally.

He maintained the bid process was fair, with Ethiopian winning transparently, and predicted Nigeria Air could still emerge.

The controversy persists, with the current minister questioning the deal’s merits. Investigations and public scrutiny may shape its future, amid ongoing debates over national carrier viability.