Breaking News: Court Nullifies Nigeria Air Sale to Ethiopian Airlines, Halts National Carrier Plans

In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos has declared the sale of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines “null and void”, effectively halting the Federal Government’s plans to establish the national carrier.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, except for the request for N2 billion in damages, in a judgment delivered on Monday. The plaintiffs, comprising the Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and five other aviation industry stakeholders, had challenged the sale and selection process of Nigeria Air.

The court’s decision nullifies the entire bidding and selection process for the Nigeria Air project, as well as the approval and selection of Ethiopian Airlines by the defendants, which include Nigeria Air Limited, Ethiopian Airlines, former Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

This ruling is a significant development in the controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air, and it remains to be seen how the Federal Government will respond to the court’s decision.