‘Why Nigeria Air cannot take off’

The Federal High Court in Lagos has halted efforts by promoters of the proposed national carrier – Nigeria Air – from going ahead with the project.
The court at the weekend issued an Order of Interim Injunction to stop the project until the Motion on Notice filed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on the matter is determined.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa after hearing the submission of Nureni Jimoh, SAN, with Abubakar Nuhu Ahmad, Esq. counsel for the plaintiff/applicant and Mr. Seun Oriowo, Esq with Oyin Koleosho Esq. counsel for the 1, 3 and 4 Defendants, Bassey Attoe Esq. counsel for the two Defendant; adjourned the matter to January 16, 2023.
The Suit FHC/L/CS/2159/2022 on the proposed national carrier was initially scheduled for hearing for February 13, 2022
The Federal High Court had earlier issued an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Minister of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Attorney-General of the Federation and other defendants from executing the proposed National Carrier.
The injunction read: “The court after careful consideration of the application and submission of counsel hereby ordered as follows: that an Order of Interim Injunction is granted restraining the Defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, Principals or any other persons whosoever from draft the proposed executing National Carrier Establishment and Agreement between the Federal Government – represented by the second and fourth defendants – and the strategic equity partner – the second defendant – or giving effect to and or suspending the sale and transfer of the shares and operations of the first Defendant by the second Defendant pending the determination of the Motion on
Notice.’’

“That an Order of Maintenance of Status Quo by all parties in this suit from taking any further step(s) in relation to the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of the Motion on Notice is granted.
“That an Order of Accelerated Hearing of this suit is granted.

The suit was filed by The Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators, Azman Air Services Limited, Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited and Topbrass Aviation Limited.

The Nation online