THE immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said that less than N3bn was expended on the Nigeria Air project.
Speaking on Arise TV news program in Abuja on Sunday, the ex-minister stated that contrary to speculations, less than N3bn budgetary allocation has been made to Nigerian Air since the inception of the project.
According to Sirika, reports suggesting that the sum of N85bn has been spent on the Nigeria Air project are baseless and false, adding that the bulk of the expended funds has been channelled into consultancies, salaries, and administrative costs associated with setting up the national carrier.
The former minister also disclosed that Nigerian Air would not enjoy any form of special tax privileges, as the taxes presently imposed on other airlines will also apply to Nigeria Air.
Sirikas’ comment comes following reports of alleged fraud surrounding the Nigeria Air project.
