Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing corruption trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, as a key prosecution witness told the court that established procurement procedures were allegedly ignored in the award of contracts related to the controversial Nigeria Air project.
Testifying before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, Christopher Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness and an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that Sirika violated due process in the award and execution of consultancy contracts valued at approximately N898 million to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.
According to the witness, the former minister awarded an initial consultancy contract worth N299 million for services connected to the establishment of Nigeria Air and later approved an additional N599 million contract extension for the same company. Odofin told the court that both transactions were carried out in a manner that failed to comply with public procurement regulations.
The investigator explained that the first contract was allegedly awarded before the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) was formally notified, a process that should ordinarily precede or accompany such approvals under Nigeria’s procurement framework. He further stated that the second contract extension was awarded without proper engagement with the BPP, effectively bypassing the agency responsible for ensuring transparency and compliance in government contracting.
According to evidence presented in court, the award letter for the first contract was dated April 4, 2022, while the approval for the contract extension followed just two days later on April 6, 2022. The prosecution argues that the speed and manner in which the contracts were processed raise significant questions about whether due diligence and competitive procurement procedures were followed.
Odofin also disclosed that the full contract sums were paid to Tianaero Nigeria Limited despite the fact that the national carrier project failed to materialize. He stated that the N299 million consultancy contract was paid in four instalments between May and July 2022 into the company’s Access Bank account. The N599 million extension contract was reportedly settled in two instalments between October and December 2022 through the company’s Guaranty Trust Bank account.
The witness told the court that investigators found little evidence of tangible outcomes corresponding to the substantial payments made under the contracts. He noted that despite the expenditure of public funds, Nigeria Air has yet to become a functional national airline, raising concerns about value for money and accountability.
Another issue highlighted during the testimony was the status of Tianaero Nigeria Limited. According to the EFCC investigator, the company had existed for only about a year before being selected for the consultancy role associated with one of the country’s most ambitious aviation projects. The prosecution is expected to argue that the company’s limited operational history should have warranted closer scrutiny during the contractor selection process.
The trial forms part of a broader EFCC investigation into allegations of abuse of office, contract fraud, and misappropriation of public funds linked to the Nigeria Air initiative. Prosecutors allege that more than N2 billion in public resources were improperly handled during the execution of the project.
Sirika is standing trial alongside his daughter, , his son-in-law, , and . They are facing amended charges brought by the EFCC, including allegations relating to abuse of office and unlawful diversion of public funds.
The defendants have denied wrongdoing, and the court has yet to make any determination on the allegations. Under Nigerian law, all accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The Nigeria Air project, launched during Sirika’s tenure as Minister of Aviation, was originally promoted as a flagship initiative aimed at restoring a national carrier, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. However, the project became controversial following questions about its ownership structure, funding arrangements, procurement processes, and overall viability.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the trial could have significant implications for public sector accountability and future government infrastructure projects. The case is also being closely watched by stakeholders in the aviation sector, who view it as a test of transparency in the management of major national initiatives.
Justice S.C. Oriji adjourned the matter until July 8 and 9, 2026, for the continuation of trial proceedings, during which additional witnesses and documentary evidence are expected to be presented before the court.
