By Adesina Soyooye
Osita Chidoka, Minister for Aviation under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, says it is shameful that Emirates Airlines is returning to Nigeria.
The Airline had suspended operations to Nigeria on the excuse that it was being owed while the Government of its country, United Arab Emirates, UAE, banned Nigerians from coming to their Country and banned the issuance of Visa to all categories of Nigerians
On May 16, Emirates Airlines announced its return to Nigeria beginning from October 1, 2024.
But in a statement he issued on Wednesday, May 22, Chidoka slammed the Airline and the United Arab Emirates government for abandoning Nigeria as soon as the Nigeria began to battle with economic challenges. He said their behaviour showed how much in contempt they hold Nigeria and a “direct affront on the pride and respect of Nigerians.”
According to Chidoka, the Visa ban by UAE, followed by the suspension of flights was a “blatant attack on the dignity of Nigerians.”
He said they owe Nigeria an explanation and apology and restitution, and should not be allowed to come back to Nigeria just like that.
The former Minister’s statement reads in part: “Emirates Airlines’ audacity to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation.
“The actions of the UAE Government 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.
“All the African and European Airlines, equally owed by the Nigerian Government, continued operating and weathered the storm with us as a people—a remarkable show of solidarity and a vote of confidence on a market they had enjoyed for decades.
“Emirates Airlines, like UAE’s Mubadala, the principal investor in Etisalat Nigeria, fled at the first sign of trouble, leaving Nigerians stranded and insulted by their mean behaviour. They did not just walk away, the UAE Government imposed an egregious visa ban on all Nigerians.
“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.
“The Nigerian government must not allow Emirates Airlines to waltz back into our skies without being held accountable for their disrespectful and demeaning conduct. We demand a thorough investigation and restitution before even considering their return.
“Respect for our nation and people is non-negotiable and a 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.”
Emirates Airlines suspended flight operations to Nigeria in October 2022 because of challenges in repatriating its funds trapped in Nigeria.
Unfortunately BAT govt is busy celebrating their return as if it is something to be proud of after the humiliation suffered by Nigerians.
Not surprised though as Tinubu and Bayo Ononuga is looking to score some cheap points.