Strict regulations necessary for safety of aviation industry – NCAA boss

Against the backdrop of misgivings in the country’s aviation industry in recent times following the shutdown of two airlines and uncertainty surrounding others, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the continued sustenance of safe and secure flight operations of the nation’s aviation industry.

Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, reiterated that the regulatory agency will continue the implementation of its statutory responsibilities and duties to retain the confidence of the flying public.

Nuhu explained that investigations were still ongoing into the operations of the suspended Dana Air and the airline will remain grounded until all the identified issues have been resolved in compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

He disclosed that the NCAA had carried out a Financial and Economic Health Audit in addition to the Technical Safety Audit of the airline.

The outcome of the two audits revealed a weak financial position and grave violations of Nig.CARs which prompted the immediate suspension of the airline’s Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

The NCAA helmsman expressed dismay at some negative comments on the regulatory body in some social media platforms based on interviews that took place on a television network.

He said “almost the entirety of the comments during the interview were direct quotes of NCAA findings of the two audits. The details of these investigations and proactive action showed the professionalism of the apex regulatory agency.”

He encouraged industry experts to seek clarification from the authority in order to make informed and balanced comments, adding that the NCAA is open to informed criticisms geared towards improving the industry.

The detailed report of the two audits on DANA showed the determination of the authority’s staff in ensuring that the safety and security of flights is foremost and overrides all other considerations.

The NCAA had in July suspended the operations of Dana Air’s Transport License (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely because of the outcome of a Financial and Economic Health Audit and a Technical Safety Audit carried out on the airline’s flight operations.

According to NCAA, the airline was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations, adding that its action was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.