Nigeria CAA Upholds Recommended Standards, Practices, to Enhance Safety, Profitability
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Captain Musa Shuaib Nuhu, Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA
The leadership of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has reiterated for the umpteenth time that, it exists to uphold exclusively, all recommended standards and practices for a safe, secure, and economically rewarding air transport industry in Nigeria, and in tandem with the best global practices as dispensed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, Montreal, Canada.
In that light, activities that will enhance and sustain such ideals will be regularly embarked upon by the NCAA without wavering hence, the forensic audit at reasonable intervals of operators in the aviation industry, be it airports, ground handling, training organizations, airlines and travel agencies among others.
Capt Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of NCAA made the declaration in an interview with aviation journalists in Lagos over the weekend, confirming that the regulatory agency will continue the implementation of its statutory responsibilities and duties to retain the confidence of the flying public.
He said the audit started on Dana is yet to be conclusive but added that NCAA had carried out a Financial and Economic Health Audit in addition to a Technical Safety Audit of the airline.
The NCAA helmsman revealed that the outcome of the two audits indicated a weak financial position and grave violations of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, Nig.CARs, which prompted the immediate suspension of the airline’s Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
The official conclusion by the regulator in the interim was that the airline was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations to conduct safe flight operations.
Nuhu explained that the NCAA decision 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.
The number one regulator in Nigeria however, expressed his dismay at some negative comments on the regulatory authority on some social media platforms based on an interview that took place on a television network.
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 regulatory agency.
He encouraged industry experts to always seek clarification from the Authority in order to make informed and balanced comments. He said that NCAA is open to informed criticisms geared toward improving the industry.
Nuhu affirmed that 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 are foremost and override all other considerations.
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