Ex- Aviation Minister, Chidoka, faults Emirates Airline’s return to Nigeria

Former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Osita Chidoka, has expressed opposition to the resumption of Emirates Airline’s operations in Nigeria.

In a statement on X.com on Wednesday, Chidoka condemned the United Arab Emirates government and Emirates Airline for their “blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians” through the unwarranted visa ban and suspension of flights.

Chidoka said the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.

The statement read, “No to the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria. The gleeful announcement of the return of Emirates Airline to Nigeria by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on X is a sad reminder of the deepening lack of national pride and the growing irrelevance of Nigeria in the world.

‘The audacity of Emirates Airlines to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation. The actions of the government of UAE and their airline, Emirates, from the unwarranted visa ban on all Nigerians to the suspension of flights, have been nothing short of a blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.

“During my time as Aviation Minister, Emirates Airlines enjoyed an unprecedented two slots to Lagos and one slot to Abuja granted by my predecessor and sustained over the years. This gesture showed Nigeria’s desire to forge close relationships and build regional alliances in the Gulf.

“Yet, when Nigeria faced economic challenges, Emirates shamelessly abandoned us while other airlines stood by us. Emirates Airlines, arguably the wealthiest airline in the world, was the only airline that suspended operations.”

He added that during Nigeria’s economic challenges, other African and European airlines, who were also owed money by the Nigerian government chose to continue operating in the country and stand in solidarity with its people, demonstrating confidence in the market they had been serving for decades.

He added that Emirates Airlines and UAE’s Mubadala, a major investor in Etisalat Nigeria, abruptly abandoned Nigeria during a time of economic challenge, leaving Nigerians stranded and insulted. Furthermore, the UAE government imposed a sweeping visa ban on all Nigerians, exacerbating the situation.

“The imposition of a visa ban on all Nigerians is an unwarranted and vile display of aggression and dehumanisation of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must say no to the unjustified stigmatisation and degradation of Nigerians, almost akin to the ghettos of 20th-century Europe. A national visa ban suggests a desire to humiliate and cast a slur on a people as a group.

“The behaviour of the UAE government and their airline is an unprovoked attack, and Nigeria should insist on a wholesome redress. As we speak, there is no word yet on the visa ban and no apology to Nigerians,” he added.

Chidoka called for a thorough investigation and restitution before considering the airline’s return, stressing that “respect for our nation and people is non-negotiable” and that Nigeria’s sovereignty must be reaffirmed at all times.

“Respect for our nation and people is non-negotiable and an irreducible minimum. We will not allow our pride to be trampled upon by arrogant corporations or foreign governments.

“This administration must reaffirm our priceless sovereignty at all times. Our sovereignty is not for sale,” he said.