Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) had secured aircraft for Nigeria Air (NWB, Lagos), the planned joint venture national airline that remains on hold pending re-assessment by new Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and legal action by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). In July 2022, a consortium led by Ethiopian Airlines won a tender process for a 51/49 public-private partnership (PPP) with the federal government. Relating the background, Tasew said: "Ethiopian Airlines didn't have any intention or plan to set up an airline in Nigeria. He said Ethiopian Airlines initially hesitated to assist in setting up Nigeria Air but reconsidered due to Abuja's insistence. Ethiopian Airlines submitted a proposal and was chosen by the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation to partner in establishing the national airline.
