In response to Emirates Airline’s announcement to resume flight operations in Nigeria, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka has expressed strong criticism, calling the situation an embarrassment to the president and suggesting that the airline should not be allowed back so easily.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Chidoka questioned the logic behind Nigeria’s restrictions and subsequent approval for Emirates to resume flights without clear justification.
“Nigeria should handle these matters logically,” Chidoka stated. “Why would a country embarrass our president in such a contentious manner and then simply allow Emirates to resume flights on October 1?”
Chidoka criticized the visa ban’s rationale, suggesting it unfairly targeted Nigeria. He highlighted that while travel bans were imposed on 20 countries, flights to these countries were not suspended, indicating an inconsistency in the policy.
“Emirates banned 20 countries from traveling to Africa, yet they operate 26 flights daily to the continent, excluding Lagos and Abuja,” Chidoka noted. “The visa ban appeared targeted at Nigeria, as only Nigeria faced flight cancellations.”
Chidoka also pointed out that Emirates continued operations in other countries that owed them money, questioning why Nigeria was singled out. He speculated that Emirates’ actions were aimed at excluding Nigerians during a specific period, possibly due to concerns over criminal behavior.
“Emirates continued paying staff salaries and rent in Nigeria, knowing they would eventually return. The visa ban seemed more about restricting Nigerians during their expo,” he argued.
Chidoka called for greater accountability and transparency within the Nigerian government. He emphasized the need for clear protocols across sectors to ensure fairness and accountability.
“The government must set irreducible minimums for each sector. Whether in health or aviation, there must be established protocols,” Chidoka stressed.
He also criticized the perceived favoritism towards Emirates, questioning why the airline enjoyed unprecedented favor despite non-payment issues, while other countries owing Emirates did not face similar consequences.
“The Nigerian state should clarify the minimum standards required in any sector. In aviation, the revenue from airlines is crucial, and Nigeria has some of the highest taxes globally for airport operations,” he said.
Chidoka recounted his efforts to tackle corruption in the aviation sector, highlighting the need for ideological consistency and effective governance. He praised President Tinubu’s administration for making sensible economic decisions, particularly regarding currency stability and fiscal responsibility.
“President Tinubu’s government has taken sensible economic decisions, showing a departure from previous policies,” Chidoka noted.
On infrastructure development, Chidoka criticized the construction of coastal highways, arguing it was based on flawed premises and lacked justification. He stressed the importance of informed decision-making in infrastructure projects.
“Government plans for coastal highways are unjustified. Data shows the traffic projections do not support this project,” he argued.
In October 2022, Emirates suspended flight operations to Nigeria due to an inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue trapped in the country. Subsequently, the United Arab Emirates imposed a visa ban on Nigerians. On November 19, 2023, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced that Emirates would soon resume flights, pending final details.
Chidoka’s remarks underscore the need for logical and consistent policy decisions, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector and broader governance.
