AON can just shut up. Just because these airlines operated and provided air services for travelers in Nigerian at a time VK or ACN were not around does not mean they have proved themselves to be more worthy of operating long haul flights.
Arik is not even airborne yet and it has already achieved: maintenance facility, flight training initiatives with NCAT, brand new aircraft burning less fuel and environmentally friendly, etc etc.
I was initially opposed to 7-years exclusivity for Virgin Nigeria on some lucrative routes but now I a support it. Nigerian airlines had years to consolidate, or team up with international carriers, do something beyond their usual wining but they have generally failed.
This latest designation of Arik and Bellview is therefore a step in the right direction and is consistent with the government's ongoing aviation reforms.