In the wake of growing concerns over the effectiveness of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), stakeholders warn that regulatory actions must be urgently addressed to prevent potential aviation disasters in 2024.
The lack of confidence in NCAA reached its peak in 2023, causing fear among industry professionals that if corrective measures are not taken, flight safety could be compromised in the coming year. Key stakeholders emphasize the need to scrutinize the regulatory body’s performance to avert potential catastrophes.
Aero Contractors’ Managing Director/CEO, Captain Ado Sanusi, expressed disappointment in NCAA’s reactive approach, citing incidents in 2023 that highlighted safety infractions.
Sanusi pointed to the crash of a Hawker 800XP aircraft at Ibadan airport, which revealed a disregard for operational hours and safety protocols. Additionally, he criticized the regulator for issuing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to NG Eagle, despite discrepancies in its fleet and operational status.
Sanusi highlighted the unprecedented waivers granted by NCAA in the past year, including licenses to airlines lacking necessary certifications. He raised concerns about the regulator’s silence on Air Nigeria’s premature readiness claims, emphasizing the need for a more proactive stance.
Further, Sanusi and Top Brass Aviation Limited’s CEO, Roland Iyayi, criticized NCAA’s policy requiring a minimum of six aircraft for operators. Iyayi argued that such a policy, lacking realistic infrastructure support, could lead to the downfall of several airlines within a year.
Addressing the mounting criticisms, the acting Director of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, pledged increased commitment to safety. He assured stakeholders that the agency would prioritize training and retraining to uphold Nigeria’s air safety standards.
As the aviation industry braces for potential challenges in 2024, stakeholders call for urgent reforms within NCAA to restore confidence and ensure the safety of air travel in Nigeria.
