A Nigerian Aviation specialist, Mr Femi Johnson, has proffered options to the present challenges bevelling nation’s the aviation sector.
Johnson, a Nigerian-Canadian with greater than three a long time of experience, stated he was involved concerning the improvement within the aviation business as a result of the business is vital to the general financial wellbeing of the nation.
In an article he penned on Nigeria’s aviation sector, he stated the sector was in a vital state as security violations persist, aggravated by among the coverage selections of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Growth.
He identified that among the coverage selections and actions “have induced uncertainty amongst passengers and stakeholders whereas severely tarnishing the status of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“A major drawback arose when the Minister suspended the Director-Basic of Civil Aviation, Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, with no correct investigation or interim alternative for seven months. This lack of decisiveness has broken Nigeria’s credibility within the eyes of the worldwide aviation neighborhood, elevating issues concerning the nation’s dedication to making sure a safe and reliable aviation business.
“Moreover, the appointment of Capt. Chris Najomo as Ag. DG, who has monetary ties to Arik Air, has led to conflicts of curiosity, undermining the integrity of the NCAA each native and internationally.”
He additionally blamed among the issues on latest occurrences, “such because the malfunction of the flight administration system on the Presidential airplane, and the Vice President Shettima declaring an emergency touchdown and three different incidents with the native Airways in an area of three weeks,” saying all of them despatched unfavorable alerts to aviation patrons.
In accordance with him, “This occurring has exacerbated issues amongst Nigerians and emphasised the quick necessity for competent management. Regardless of the autonomy of the Nigerian Air Power, these incidents have introduced broader security worries to the fore. Additionally, Keyamo’s unwarranted suspension of 10 non-public airways, exceeding his authority to take action, has additional harmed Nigeria’s aviation area.”
“The unwarranted grounding of Dana Air has led to 800 job cuts, and with three main Airways dealing with forex challenges, there may be now a 50% lower in flight capability, leading to exorbitant fares as excessive as 250,000 naira for an economic system seat for Passengers. This resolution, taken by the minister – not an Aviation Professional – with out due session or consideration of the broader repercussions, highlights the shortage of integrity and Capability amongst most Aviation Company heads to current the unvarnished fact to the Minister for the higher good of Nigeria.
“The minister’s fixed alarm of corruption inside aviation inspection have solely worsened the state of affairs, eroding belief from each native and worldwide communities, setting Nigeria’s Aviation sector again by twenty years. The minister is tasked with advancing the status of our Aviation business and resolving challenges, not burdening the flying public with extreme fares.
“Nigeria’s aviation business faces additional setbacks as a result of poor Safety Audit scores and the continued lack of airport certification over the previous forty years. Disregard for flight requirements throughout the NCAA, together with inadequate coaching and assist, has led to a 50% discount in workforce, leaving scarce competent inspectors to make sure plane security nationwide.
“The Minister’s preoccupation with political maneuvering somewhat than addressing the essential points at hand has been dangerous. His selections not solely diminish the credibility of the NCAA but additionally put Nigeria’s aviation sector’s security and effectivity in danger. The minister’s selections, comparable to grounding airways with out legitimate causes and publicly disparaging aviation inspectors, reveal an absence of comprehension and skill to deal with the sector’s complexities.
“Aviation security can’t be emphasised sufficient, and the sector can’t be made a pawn in political methods. The Minister of Aviation should prioritize competence, credibility, and integrity in main the NCAA. Aviation shouldn’t be influenced by politics, particularly when lives are on the road. It’s important to undertake a strategic {and professional} method to rebuild confidence, improve operational capabilities, and uphold Nigeria’s standing within the international aviation neighborhood. The actions taken at the moment will decide whether or not Nigeria can regain its aviation status or stay caught in a disaster,” he concluded.