Chairman and founder of Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, has revealed why the airline is yet to go public.
Dr Oneyma said listing the company on the capital market is one of the long-term plans of the airline that will be done after a solid foundation has been laid.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Air Peace CEO, who spoke during the 2025 League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) conference, said going public at this stage may disrupt the company from continuing with some of its activities, including philanthropy.
Onyema said he had been advised that going public would enable him to make more money, but the company is driven more by the desire to protect the interests of staff and stakeholders.
“We want to build a legacy that will stand the test of time. Some people have told me I can get up to $100 billion with all the aircraft I have ordered,” he stated.
“If it is about money, I would have done that (listed) a long time ago. I would have gone to the public, maybe made money as some people advised me, and walk away. It is not about that.
“I am thinking about over 4,000 people who are working with Air Peace today. I am thinking of them.”
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He pointed out that listing the company on the capital market may come with some challenges, such as pressures from minority shareholders and potential litigation whenever they feel their interest is threatened.
“I am thinking of the people who would take us to court every day after investing just 0.5 percent.
“They may not allow us to continue some of the philanthropic things we do,” the Air Peace CEO added.