Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines has abandoned the Nigeria Air project and is now focusing on independent commercial growth within the Nigerian market, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew confirmed on Wednesday.
Okay News reports that Tasew made the announcement during a press conference at the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, providing the status of the joint venture that was intended to establish a new flag carrier for Nigeria. “I would like to start by saying to the public that the national carrier project no more exists,” Tasew stated. “That has been abandoned, and it is safe to say so.”
The Nigeria Air project, which saw an Ethiopian Airlines-branded Boeing 737-800 unveiled in Abuja in the final days of Hadi Sirika as Aviation Minister, had been mired in legal battles and policy shifts. Tasew‘s comments signal that Ethiopian Airlines has officially walked away from the equity-partnership model for the Nigerian national carrier.
Despite the termination, Tasew emphasised that the relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigerian government remains on excellent terms. “We have been flying from four cities in Nigeria. Previously, we had four flights per week to Nigeria; now that has increased to six every day, and it will increase further,” he said. The airline’s new strategy focuses on commercial agreements rather than ownership. “Our relationship with the Nigerian government is very good now, and we would like to have partnerships like commercial agreements with more independent airlines in Nigeria.”
Tasew clarified that Ethiopian Airlines is not seeking any other identity-based partnerships in Nigeria at this time. “Otherwise, we don’t have any intention of having any type of partnership in Nigeria,” he explained. He noted that the airline remains ready to cooperate with other African countries, provided the interest is mutual. “Partnership will work only when both parties express interest. We cannot go to a country and say, ‘Look, we want to establish this.’ We cannot do that unless they are ready and willing.”
Tasew disclosed that the airline is currently processing several requests from other African nations to replicate its successful multi-hub strategy.
