Ex-Nigerian Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, has expressed dissatisfaction about the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria.

According to Chidoka, the airline, which is based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has shown massive disrespect to Nigerians when it abruptly stopped its Lagos-Dubai flights in 2022, followed by a visa restriction on Nigerians.

Taking to X on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Chidoka wrote: “The audacity of Emirates Airlines to even consider returning to Nigeria reeks of contempt and disdain towards our nation.

“The actions of the government of UAE 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.”

Nigeria and the UAE have a long history of restriction of flights between both countries based on certain unresolved issues surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

On May 16, 2024, the airline made a U-turn on its earlier decision to suspend flights and announced the resumption of its services to Nigeria effective October 1, 2024.

Chidoka stressed that the airline abandoned Nigerians when the country faced economic challenges.

Chidoka continued: “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.

“They (Emirates Airlines) 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.

“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 an irreducible minimum. We will not allow our pride to be trampled upon by arrogant corporations or foreign governments."

Chidoka was the aviation minister from July 2014 to April 2015.