2021 Budget: Again, Buhari budgets N1 billion for failed national carrier
The Muhammadu Buhari administration has yet again allotted another tranche of budgetary allocation to flunked national carrier Nigeria Air.
Details of the aviation ministry’s 2021 fiscal plan seen by Peoples Gazette show budgetary provision of N1 billion under the line item: “Working capital for establishment of national carrier.”
The Gazette understands that the so-called national carrier, which flopped barely two months after its unveiling in July 2018, was controversially apportioned N8.5 billion in the 2019 Appropriation Bill.
Similarly, the administration proposed N4.6 billion as “working capital” for Nigeria Air in the 2020 budget estimates, although it was unclear how much of it was released.
If approved by the National Assembly, the latest allocation — listed under “ongoing projects” of the aviation ministry — will take the total budget allotments for the suspended airline to N14.1 billion. It was unclear how much was released for previous budget proposals, but the government’s fiscal performance has been consistently below average in recent years.
The administration said Nigeria Airways could operate long-haul flights to at least 81 potential destinations if revamped, but has yet to provide a clear roadmap to achieve its return to the air.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Lagos official advocates greater inclusion of women in governance
She said women possess the competence, leadership qualities, and capacity required to contribute meaningfully to governance at all levels.
Africa
Ethiopia, Turkiye back Africa climate agenda
The cooperation aims to support inclusive climate action in Africa.
States
NAWOJ distributes cucumber seedlings to women journalists in Bauchi
“The initiative is designed to engage our members in farming activities, boost food production at the household level and encourage healthy living,” she said.
Africa
UN urges immediate aid as Somalia faces severe drought
The agency estimated that severe drought conditions had affected roughly 250,000 people, with coastal and remote communities hit the hardest.
States
Edo LG chairmen-elect pledge to tackle insecurity
The newly elected local government chairmen in Edo pledged to tackle insecurity in the state.
