All airlines operating in the country are being audited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
NCAA Director General, Muhtar Usman, who gave the directive, said aviation safety inspectors (ASI) will continue to intensify routine ramp inspection with an eagle eye on detail.
The audit is to forestall complacency by airline operators and ensure compliance with regulation.
Usman disclosed that recent incidents are viewed seriously by the NCAA and the audit is one of the measures to forestall reoccurrence and sustain the confidence of air travellers.
He warned pilots to take precautionary measures during all adverse weather conditions; in other words, adherence to states’ weather minima and standard operating procedures (SOP).
He gave an assurance that the NCAA will continue its zero tolerance for non compliance to regulation and airlines will be made to follow standard and recommended practices (SARPs) for safe and secure operations.
Usman also advised public relations/information managers of aviation agencies, local, and foreign airlines to review information dissemination during accidents and incidents.
He made the point in an address he presented at the maiden meeting of aviation industry information managers in Lagos, urging them to practise “integrated and unified” information management and dissemination during emergencies.
“We should put on the table a synergy and a robust working relationship within this group. When I say all of you this includes the public relations apparatus of NCAA.
“If we commence integrated information, there will be a concerted approach when there are accidents and incidents. On the reality, airline operations worldwide are not without their fair share of incidents,” Usman said.
He disclosed that Nigeria has 30 certified air operators, over 400 in-service aircraft registered, about 46 corporate jets, 130 helicopters, and 100 foreign registered private jets.
He reminded airlines to clear all debts as the NCAA will soon commence severe sanctions against defaulters.
