Apparently heeding public call for a probe into the unveiling of the Nigeria Air aircraft on Friday 26th May, the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation is to begin investigation into the Nigeria air project.
To this end, the committee headed by Mr. Nnolim Nnaji has summoned the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation Dr. Emmanuel Meribole to an emergency meeting over Nigeria Air project.
The emergency meeting according to an invitation for the meeting signed by the committee clerk Bassy E. Edem dated May 30 2023 and referenced NASS/9/HR17/120, the Permanent Secretary was directed to come with every document and personnel connected with the National Carrier.
The invitation read in parts, “last Friday, the 26th of May, 2023, the nation was awashed with viral reports and videos of the unveiling of the Nigeria Air project under very controversial circumstances, as committee of the parliament saddled with responsibility of over sighting the aviation sector of the economy we deem it necessary to be fully briefed about the project”.
“Consequently l am directed to invite you to an emergency session with the committee on Thursday, first of June 2023. You are to come with all individuals/agencies connected to the project.”
The documents requested are; Full business case (FBC,) as prepared by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, (ICRC), Full disclosure on the ownership structure of Nigeria Air including equity contributions by individuals, organisations and Consortium outlining each contributions, names, addresses, phone numbers and their businesses’ registration.
Others are certificates.iii. All Private, Public Partnership, (PPP) agreements reached and signed with Ethiopian Airlines on the project.iv. All Pivate Public patnetship agreements reached and signed with other parties with stakes in Nigeria AirV. All documents, permits and receipts relevant to the subject matter.vi. Share holders’ agreementsVii Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, (ICRC) agreement andViii. Any other documents that will assist the committee in this assignment.
However the Permanent Secretary was said to have requested for time to be able to Assemble all the necessary documents and individuals connected with the project.
Meanwhile Tuesday 7th June has been rescheduled for the meeting based on the appeals for time by the ministry.
