The FGN is desirous to support the establishment of a new National Carrier to enable Nigeria gain optimal benefits from BASA Agreements, take full advantage of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), introduce competition leading to competitive fares and better services, generate employment for Nigerians, grow the GDP contribution of aviation, and improve national image.

The National Carrier will be private sector driven and structured as a Joint Venture between the FGN (minority share) and Private sector. It is expected that the private sector participants will include a reputable international airline as Technical Partners, Nigerian Financial and Institutional Investors and the Nigerian Public.

The FGN has recently started the ATL-AOC process of Nigeria Air, the new National Carrier, and will provide initial facilities as well as support by creating the enabling environment in terms of sustainable policies, provision of sovereign and financial guarantees and ensuring fiscal incentives to sustain the success of the airline. The National Carrier will develop and operate domestic, regional and international routes, its operational strategy will be based on the commercial viability of the routes.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation has today (20th June 2022) released a request inviting private firms or consortiums to participate in the qualification process for the selection of private partners through a competitive bidding process for the development of Aerotropolis (Airport city) in Abuja.

The objective of the project (Aerotropolis) is to enhance commercial activities within and around the international airport and seek to key into the robust growth of Nigeria's international air travel and cargo market by transforming the international airports into a regional hub of bustling commercial and industrial activity.

“About 3500 hectares of land adjoins Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is designated for the project,” the Ministry said. Interested firms are requested to check national dailies for more information or it can be downloaded on www.nigerianaviationpppprojects.com.

The statement explained that "selected private partners shall undertake the design, build finance, operate, maintain and transfer based on terms and conditions to be set out in the concession agreement.

The overall objective of the selection process will be the successful procurement of a concessionaire with the technical and financial capability to implement the project".

"Request for Qualification (RFQ) is the qualification stage of the procurement process for the project and interested firms/consortia are expected to meet the qualification requirements specified. Only qualified parties shall be invited to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage" it added.