NCAA emphasises its statutory onus for maximum safety of aviation industry

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has re-affirmed its commitment to ensuring the continued sustenance of safe and secure flight operations in the nation’s aviation industry.

Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of NCAA, in an interview with aviation journalists in Lagos on Thursday, August 11, 2022, confirmed that the regulatory agency will continue the implementation of its statutory responsibilities and duties to retain the confidence of the flying public.

Nuhu stated 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 explained that NCAA had carried out a Financial and Economic Health Audit in addition to a Technical Safety Audit of the airline. The outcome of the two audits revealed a weak financial position and grave violations Nig.CARs which prompted the immediate suspension of the airline’s Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

Nuhu expressed his dismay at some negative comments on the Regulatory Body on some social media platforms based on interviews 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 apex regulatory agency. He encouraged industry experts to seek clarification from the Authority in order to make informed and balanced comments. 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 are foremost and override all other considerations.

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 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.