Opinion

IBOM AIR AND A CASE FOR NIGERIA'S RESTRUCTURING.

Posted by: Femi Lawson | November 16, 2021

File Photo of Femi Lawson

In July 18, 2018, the Federal Government launched the National Carrier named "Nigeria Air" with a Logo but not a single Aircraft.

In July 2019, Akwa Ibom State government commenced the full operation of the State Owned IBOM AIR, with a good number of Aircraft.

Today, neither the Logo nor a single Aircraft launched by the Federal Government can be seen anywhere in Nigeria or around the world.

Today also, the Government of Akwa Ibom signed contracts for the purchase of additional 10 New Aircraft for the Ibom Air limited.

As a frequent Traveller, I can attest that the Best Local Airline in Nigeria today is that Akwa Ibom State Owned IBOM AIR, with their fleet of Classic Aircraft, to Airport and Onboard services.

Akwa Ibom State government, through IBOM AIR, is once again a reminder, that our States can actually be productive and prosperous if allowed to operate as a truly federal system. Ibom Air is another case for the Restructuring of this country. It is an example of our capacity as component parts of the country called Nigeria.

If we must end this feeding bottle democracy called a Federal Republic, we must return power to the Federating Units, we must immediately RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA.

If Akwa Ibom can successfully run an airline to such an enviable level in just two years, I believe there are states with diverse potentials such as mining, Fisheries, Crude refining etc, who can also excel, and pay taxes, to fund the central government in Abuja.

Rendering the states impotent through an overbearing central government in Abuja, will only kill, rather than save this country.

Time to RESTRUCTURE Nigeria is now.

Olufemi Lawson,
Lagos,
16-11-2021