The House of Representatives in Nigeria has pledged to initiate efforts to reclaim two government helicopters that were recently sold to private individuals.
The aircraft, identified as Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, were assets of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) located in Zaria.
During an investigative hearing held in Abuja, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, expressed deep concern over the sale of these helicopters to private entities, especially considering the critical need for such aircraft in the training programs conducted by the college.
The committee raised questions about the process leading to the sale, particularly noting that several security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and Police, had expressed interest in purchasing the helicopters. However, despite their interest and efforts, they were denied by the management of NCAT.
Acting Rector of NCAT, Shaka Imalighwe, clarified that he was not part of the team responsible for facilitating the sale of the helicopters, having assumed his position after the sale occurred in January 2024. Despite requests for documentation regarding the sale process made as early as May 2023, the college has yet to provide the necessary information, including approvals from the Federal Executive Council and the Ministry of Aviation, as well as public advertisements announcing the sale.
Imalighwe further revealed that the helicopters were operational and under proper maintenance by relevant aviation authorities before being sold. However, he acknowledged the current absence of any helicopters within the institution for training purposes, a situation the lawmakers deemed unacceptable.
The House Committee criticized NCAT for employing an unlicensed auctioneer for the sale of the helicopters, further exacerbating the controversy surrounding the transaction.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the committee has summoned both past and present Ministers of Aviation, as well as officials from the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), along with former and current rectors of NCAT.
With the promise of further hearings and action, the House of Representatives is is resolved to thoroughly investigate the sale of these government helicopters and take appropriate measures to address the issue.
