Nigeria, March 23 -- Nigeria's Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has hinted that the controversial national carrier, Nigeria Air, will commence operation before the swearing-in of a new administration on 29 May.

The minister disclosed this at the ongoing National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023 in Abuja on Thursday.

"Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly," Mr Sirika said.

"Negotiation meetings with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria is ongoing. Next step: Federal Executive Council approval of the Full Business Case."

The minister emphasised that the benefits Nigeria stands to derive from the establishm...