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Gabriel Olowo, Prersident, ASRT
Posted by Sade Williams
Aviation Round Table (ART), has joined other groups at condemning the interference by the House of Representatives in the issues involving the issuance of Air Operator’s Certificate to NG Eagle by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
In a statement signed by Olumide Ohunayo for ART, the pressure group noted with dismay how in the past, the lawmakers had interfered in the affairs and duties of the NCAA, saying such undermines and whittle the powers granted to the NCAA.
It stated that he various legislations that established aviation and allied agencies in Nigeria stipulated their roles and areas of competence, adding that the NCAA Act prescribed its role as the prime regulator of activities in the aviation industry in Nigeria.
“We have observed lately with dismay, the various acts of interference by political actors in purely Aviation safety operational matters. The various legislations that established aviation and allied agencies in Nigeria stipulated their roles and areas of competence. The NCAA Act prescribed its role as the prime regulator of activities in the aviation industry in Nigeria. To effectively perform its tasks, the statute empowers the Regulator and its Board (though board is not in place ) needed as a matter of urgency to have oversight for optimal performance without compromising its role as enforcer of international Standards and Recommended Practices and other State Responsibilities.
“The recent actions of the members of the National Assembly undermine and whittle the powers granted to the NCAA. There have also been similar acts of interference in the past while some of these undue interference is partly attributable to the absence of governing boards for the agencies, the consequential gap in administration could have emboldened these interferences continually.
“ART frowns and condemns these undue interferences and highlight the safety and credibility issues involved, it is unbelievable that the National Assembly will delve into technical and safety matters like the issuance of Airline Operating Certificate {AOC].
NG Eagle’s right will be breached unfairly if its AOC is not released after the company has complied with all mandatory tasks successfully. NCAA will also be in gross violation of these rights.
“Should the House Committee on Aviation be interested in recouping public funds ( which is the contention in this case ) a resolution could be passed citing the relevant section of the economic regulations of the Nig CARs if applicable . Going further will be tantamount to interference with executive functions rather than political.”, the said.
