Nigeria not in talks with Ethiopian Airlines on Arik take over, says AMCON

Nigerian 'bad bank' Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has said that it was not in the known of any talk with the Ethiopian Airlines on possible take over of the troubled Nigerian carrier, Arik Air.
AMCON, in a statement its spokesman Jude Nwauzor, said it was not aware of any discussion with the East African carrier, insisting that if there were any such discussion, it would be the first to know.
“Our attention has been drawn to a barrage of media reports which claimed that there are discussions going on with Ethiopian Airlines for the carrier to render management services to Arik. Contrary to these reports, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is not aware of any current discussion or negotiation with the management of Ethiopian Airlines regarding Arik Air Limited (Arik),” Jude Nwauzor said.
He noted that since the new managers took over the running of the airline, it has been marked by stability of schedules, improved On-Time-Performance (OTP) and revamped customer service, among other improvements..
Ethiopian Airlines last week told CNN that it had submitted a formal offer to take charge of Arik Air, the country biggest airline which is currently under management of the 'bad bank'.
“We have outlined our terms and conditions to the Nigerian government and we are waiting to see if they agree,” Esayas Woldemariam, the airline’s managing director, international services, had told CNN. “We are capable and desirous of handling the airline.”
Woldemariam did not, however, specified details of the offer, but added that he expected to face competition for Arik Air from international airlines.
Arik Air was taken over by AMCON following its inability to repay a debt exceeding 350 billion naira.
AMCON said at the time that it had to step in to save the airline from failure. It removed the management and replaced it with a new team and receiver manager to oversee the operations of the airline.
Arik now carries an average of 4,000 passengers daily and has the largest fleet in Nigeria with 14 aircraft, but only 10 are currently operational.