The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a summons to Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, in relation to alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air, the national carrier. According to a report by THISDAY, Sirika is expected to appear before the commission within the week to address inquiries regarding the launch of Nigeria Air, which was adorned in Ethiopian colors. The EFCC has already interrogated certain individuals believed to be associated with the national carrier. Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed an ongoing investigation but refrained from providing further details. It is anticipated that the commission will investigate the allocation of the N3 billion funds for the project, although some stakeholders argue that over N80 billion was expended. During the House of Representatives hearing, the Chairman of the Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, denounced the Nigeria Air deal as fraudulent. Captain Dapo Olumide, the acting managing director of Nigeria Air, accused Sirika of imposing a deceitful arrangement on the nation through the formation of the airline. Olumide revealed before the Senate Committee on Aviation that the aircraft purportedly owned by Nigeria Air had been chartered from Ethiopian Airlines for display purposes. Consequently, there have been calls from the public for the EFCC to investigate Sirika regarding these allegations. In response, Sirika made his first public statement on the matter during an interview on Arise News Television, where he alleged that Honorable Nnaji had approached him, requesting a 5% share of the airline for himself and his associates. Sirika clarified that the airline's bidding process had already taken place, and suggested that Nnaji should approach the successful bidders for the 5% share.
