Nigeria Air: I Never Spent N100bn, Only N3bn Was Released – Ex-Minister Sirika

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has refuted claims that he squandered N100 billion on the controversial Nigeria Air project during his tenure.

Sirika clarified that out of the N5 billion budgeted for the project, only about N3 billion was actually released, contrary to widespread allegations of misappropriation.

The Nigeria Air project, initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was intended to serve as a new national carrier. However, the project collapsed amid criticism and allegations of corruption.

Speaking on a monitored television program, the ex-minister described the accusations as deliberate falsehoods. He emphasized that the Buhari administration followed due process, noting that the project was structured as a public-private partnership under the supervision of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

“It is a lie that I spent N100 billion. The total budget for the national carrier was N5 billion, only N3 billion was released, and I left the ministry with over N1 billion,” Sirika stated.

The former minister is currently facing legal proceedings over alleged corruption and abuse of office linked to the failed project.