Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has denied claims that the Nigeria Air project was a scam, insisting that due process was followed and the total released budget was under N3 billion

Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has rejected allegations that the Nigeria Air project launched under former President Muhammadu Buhari was a scam.

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Speaking during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sirika insisted that the initiative was built on transparency and followed due process.

Sirika’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny over the controversial airline, which was unveiled just days before the end of Buhari’s administration in 2023, and amidst his own legal battles over alleged contract fraud.

“It is a lie that I spent N100 billion and it is lost in the process,” Sirika stated.

“The total budget for the national carrier was N5 billion, the total amount released was N3 billion, and I left the ministry with over N1 billion unspent.”

Sirika emphasized that Nigeria Air was a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) regulated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

“It is a public-private partnership which was regulated by the Infrastructure Concessioning Regulatory Commission, which gave certificates and participated actively in the process,” he explained.

Despite criticisms, the former minister stressed that the airline’s unveiling was not a publicity stunt but the result of a structured plan to establish a national carrier for Nigeria.

Hadi Sirika is currently facing corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is accused of:

• Splitting a N2.7 billion aviation contract to bypass approval protocols
• Awarding contracts to companies linked to his family, including his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and son-in-law, Jalal Hamma
• Paying N1.3 billion to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, a family-owned firm, for an unexecuted contract

Sirika declined to comment in detail on the case, citing its ongoing court proceedings.

“Unfortunately, this matter is in the court of law and it is not a matter that should be subjected to the press,” he said.

When asked if his visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday was an attempt to seek political protection, Sirika dismissed the suggestion, explaining it was a condolence visit to President Bola Tinubu over the passing of ex-President Buhari.

“The purpose of the meeting was to officially pay our condolences to the President… Also, to appreciate him and assure him of the support of our party,” he said.

He concluded by asserting his innocence and calling on the government to verify his integrity.

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“I am a very clean man. I have worked with people. The government has every instrument at their disposal to find my character,” he said.