In a statement made on his verified Twitter account, Nigerian politician and activist Shehu Sani expressed his disappointment over the country’s abandonment of aircraft manufacturing ambitions. He criticized the shift in focus from developing Nigeria’s aviation industry to celebrating the return of Emirates Airlines.
Sani’s tweet highlighted the missed opportunities for Nigeria to become a hub for aircraft manufacturing, noting that instead of pursuing such progressive goals, the nation now rejoices at the resumption of flights by a foreign airline. Emirates Airlines, which had suspended its operations in Nigeria due to challenges such as repatriating its revenue, recently announced the resumption of services, sparking excitement among Nigerians.
Sani’s critique goes deeper than just the airline’s return; it reflects a broader concern about the country’s priorities. According to him, rather than focusing on foreign dependencies, Nigeria should have been striving to build its aviation capacity by fostering the development of its own aircraft manufacturing industry. This, he argues, would have been a long-term solution to boost the economy, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a significant player in global aviation.
The tweet has generated considerable discussion, with many Nigerians expressing agreement with Sani’s stance. Critics of the government argue that the celebration of Emirates’ return highlights the country’s reliance on foreign entities for essential services, instead of building domestic capacity….Vîew – Morê