The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, to appear before the commission over the launch of Nigeria Air.
The anti-graft agency had also questioned officials of the Nigerian Air over the recent launch of the airline in Abuja.
Investigations show that the minister is expected to appear before the commission within the week to answer questions related to the launch of the airline, Nigerian Air and the Ethiopian airlines aircraft that used for the launch.
The commission will also look at the N3 billion the ex minister said was spent on the project as well as alleged N85 billion put forward by stakeholders.
Read also: Abdulkarim Chukkol takes over as acting EFCC Chairman
Hadi Sirika, during an interview on Arise TV/Thisdaylive on Sunday said the controversial launch of Nigeria Air and the aircraft used for the launch was part of the marketing strategies Ethiopian Airlines deployed to showcase the airline.
He said Ethiopian Airlines which owns 49 percent of the airline shares did not want to wait till they are issued Airline Operating Certificate (AOC) before the launch of the airline takes place.
Sirika during the live interview hinted that the against data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Compilation of Budgetary Allocations alleging that N85 billion was spent on the national carrier in eight years, he said less than three billion has been spent so far
“Between 2016 to 2023, all the money that was approved was five billion naira and only three billion naira was released and not all has been spent. The money spent so far was spent on transaction advisory, salaries, office in Abuja, consultancy and Air Operating Certificate (AOC) processes,” he said.
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