The Federal High Court in Lagos has annulled the sale of Nigeria Air Ltd to Ethiopian Airlines. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa’s ruling blocks the Federal Government’s efforts to establish Nigeria Air as a national carrier.
The court’s decision came after a suit was filed by the Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, alongside five other aviation industry players. The plaintiffs challenged the bidding and selection process that led to Ethiopian Airlines being chosen as the partner for Nigeria Air.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted the plaintiffs’ request to set aside the bidding and selection process, ruling that the actions of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami were unlawful. However, the court denied the request for ₦2 billion in damages, which the plaintiffs sought for alleged wrongful exclusion and procedural irregularities.
In his judgment, Justice Lewis-Allagoa stated, “The proposed establishment of Nigeria Air by the Federal Government should not proceed. The bidding and selection processes have been found to be flawed.”
The plaintiffs in the case include:
Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria
Azman Air Services Limited
Air Peace Limited
Max Air Limited
United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited
Topbrass Aviation Limited
They contended that the process that led to Ethiopian Airlines being awarded the contract was marred by irregularities.
