Nigerian Ex-Minister Demands Emirates Apology Before Return

Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, has strongly criticized the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria, citing the airline’s disrespectful treatment of Nigerians in the past.

Chidoka, who served as aviation minister from July 2014 to April 2015, expressed his displeasure in a statement on Wednesday, asserting that Emirates’ decision to resume flights to Nigeria demonstrates contempt and disdain towards the nation.

“The audacity of Emirates Airlines to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation,” Chidoka said in a statement.

Emirates Airlines suspended its Dubai-Lagos flights in 2022 due to challenges repatriating funds from Nigeria amid a diplomatic dispute. The UAE subsequently imposed a visa ban on all Nigerians, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

Chidoka criticized Emirates for abandoning Nigerians during economic challenges while praising other airlines for their solidarity.

“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,” he said.

He described the UAE’s visa ban on Nigerians as an “unwarranted and vile display of aggression and dehumanization” and called for Nigeria to demand redress and accountability before allowing Emirates Airlines to resume operations.

“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,” he emphasized.

Chidoka concluded by asserting that respect for Nigeria and its people is non-negotiable.