The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has urgently summoned Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, to address concerns regarding the controversial introduction of Nigeria Air.
The committee, led by Nnolim Nnaji, has demanded that Meribole bring all relevant documents and personnel associated with the national carrier proposal to an emergency meeting.
The unveiling of Nigeria Air, which occurred last Friday, has sparked significant nationwide controversy.
Reports indicate that Ethiopian Airlines repainted and rebranded one of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, costing Nigeria N139.3 billion ($300 million) for the painting alone.
In an invitation memorandum dated May 30, 2023, and referenced as NASS/9/HR17/120, the committee has called upon individuals involved in the ill-fated project to participate.
The memo states, “On Friday, May 26, 2023, the nation witnessed widespread reports and videos of the Nigeria Air project’s unveiling under highly contentious circumstances. As the parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing the aviation sector, we find it necessary to obtain a comprehensive briefing on the project.”
