Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika says Nigeria will soon get a national carrier.

Mr Sirika said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation for 2023 budget defence in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister said President Muhammadu Buhari was also expected to commission one of the two cargoes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a few days.

Mr Sirika said the national carrier would first concentrate on domestic operations before venturing into an international operation.

According to him, the national carrier of Nigeria is on its way to being launched with Boeing 737 and followed by international operations.

He said the aviation sector had significantly improved in the last few years.

He added that the Murtala International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, witnessed tremendous changes under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This significant growth is sequel to the roadmap we are building. Our airports are wearing new looks, especially Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, among others,” he said.

Mr Sirika said the contract for the Cargo terminal at the airports was abandoned by the contractors, adding that the president directed that they be investigated, prosecuted, and the monies recovered.

He, however, said it could not go ahead because the ministry did not have prosecuting powers.

“We reported to EFCC now in the last three and half years, and they confirmed to me that they have finished the investigation. This is worrisome.”

Nnolim Nnaji, the House Committee on Aviation chairman, said the budget defence was intended to have a full-year implementation report to guide the committee in considering the 2023 budget.

He said the committee would oversee three international airports terminal slated for concession within the next few weeks.

“The committee has noticed with great concern the omission of one of the critical security and safety agencies of the ministry, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency,” he said.

He said the committee would correct the abnormality, urging the minister to clarify the matter.

(NAN)