Facts don’t fear: True story behind Nigeria Air, false allegations against Senator Hadi Sirika

By: Bala Sani Shehi

In recent times, a public debate arose following allegations made by Dan Bello against the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, concerning the establishment of Nigeria Air.

In his viral video, Dan Bello claimed that billions of naira were spent to charter an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft for a demonstration flight. However, after a close examination of the facts and clarifications made by reliable sources, it becomes evident that these claims are unfounded.

The article written by Muhammad I. H. Balarabe, titled “Facts don’t fear lies – The real story behind Nigeria Air and Dan Bello’s false claim”, provides a more factual and credible explanation of the issue.

Reasons supporting Muhammad I. H. Balarabe’s position

1. Dan Bello’s Lack of Aviation Knowledge
The aviation industry operates under strict international standards and technical arrangements that require expert understanding. Dan Bello’s comments reveal a lack of knowledge about how aviation partnerships and demonstration flights work.

His inability to explain fundamental concepts such as “charter as designation” clearly shows that his allegations were not based on technical understanding but on misinformation.

2. Absence of Verifiable Evidence
Dan Bello claimed that billions of naira were spent by the government for the Nigeria Air demonstration flight, yet he failed to present any receipts, payment documents, or official records to prove his assertion.

In any serious allegation, evidence is essential. Without proof, his statements remain speculative and misleading, designed more to create controversy than to reveal truth.

3. Demonstration flights are standard practice worldwide
Demonstration or test flights are a normal and necessary part of airline development across the world.

They are often organized and funded by the strategic partner or the airline itself. In this case, Ethiopian Airlines, as the managing partner of Nigeria Air, provided the aircraft, fuel, and painting for the demonstration at no cost to the Nigerian government.

Similar practices have been observed with international airlines such as Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there was nothing unusual or fraudulent about Nigeria Air’s demonstration flight.

4. Clarification has already been made
The issue was officially addressed and clarified by both Ethiopian Airlines and the Federal Ministry of Aviation. They confirmed that no payment was made by the Nigerian government for the demonstration flight. Once an issue has been clarified by credible authorities, it becomes unnecessary and unfair to keep repeating false accusations.

Personal conclusion

After carefully going through what the writer, Muhammad I. H. Balarabe, explained, I have concluded that Senator Hadi Sirika is not guilty of the allegations made by Dan Bello. It is not right to write or spread accusations without genuine evidence.

Senator Sirika has contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector from 2015 to 2023, introducing reforms, safety improvements, and visionary projects that promoted the nation’s image.

It is therefore a good step that his achievements have been recognized by His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, Executive Governor of Katsina State, who appointed him as the Pro-Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University.

This honour reflects his years of hard work, integrity, and service to the country. As Nigerians, what is better for us is to appreciate those who have served sincerely, speak the truth, and avoid spreading falsehoods that can harm reputations and divide our nation.