In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sirika, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari until 2023, clarified that the total budget allocated for the national carrier—also known as Nigeria Air—was a modest N5 billion. 

He emphasized that only N3 billion was actually released during his tenure, with more than N1 billion remaining unspent when he departed the ministry. 

“It is a lie that I spent N100 billion and it is lost in the process. The total budget for the national carrier was N5bn, the total amount released was N3 billion and I left the ministry with over N1 billion,” Sirika stated firmly.

The project, launched toward the end of Buhari’s administration, was intended to establish a flagship airline for Nigeria through collaboration with private investors. 

Sirika highlighted its regulation by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which issued necessary certificates and actively participated in the oversight. 

“It is a public-private partnership which was regulated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission which gave certificates and participated actively in the process,” he added, 

Sirika’s defense comes amid ongoing legal troubles, as he faces trial for alleged corruption and abuse of office. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him of awarding lucrative contracts worth billions to companies linked to his family, including his daughter Fatima Sirika and son-in-law Jalal Hamma. 

Specific allegations include splitting a N2.7 billion federal aviation contract to evade regulatory thresholds and funneling N1.3 billion to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited—a firm connected to his relatives—for an aviation project that was never executed. 

Sirika, however, refrained from delving into the details of his case, noting it is sub judice. 

“Unfortunately, this matter is in the court of law and it is not a matter that should be subjected to the press,” he said.

Addressing recent speculation about a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Sirika explained that his visit was solely to offer condolences to President Bola Tinubu following the death of former President Buhari and to pledge party support. 

“The purpose of the meeting was to officially pay our condolences to the President who did extremely well after the demise of our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Also to appreciate him of what he has done and to assure him of the support of our party for which he is our leader,” he clarified.

Throughout the interview, Sirika maintained his personal integrity, declaring, “I am a very clean man. I have worked with people. The government has every instrument at their disposal to find my character.” 

His statements have reignited public discourse on the Air Nigeria project, which has been mired in controversy since its unveiling, with critics questioning its transparency and viability.