James Emejo in Abuja
The House of Representatives thursday mandated its Committees on Aviation and Commerce to investigate as well as carry out critical audit of all registered aircraft with a view to ascertaining their airworthiness, compliance with applicable operational methods, set safety standards and procedures.
The probe will further seek to evaluate the operational environment of the aviation sub sector with a view to enhancing improved operational standards as well as convenience of users.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (APC, Kwara) on the need to establish the technical and operational status of Nigerian registered commercial/private aircraft to boost the safety, protection and confidence of passengers flying the Nigerian airspace.
The motion was unanimously supported by members of the lower chamber.
In his lead debate, Kannike Expressed worried that non-compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements exposes consumers and equipment to high level risks, potential dangers and discomfort, which can easily be averted by carrying out appropriate due diligence periodically.
He said there’s a high degree of complicity between airline operators in the country and the regulatory bodies charged with the safety of airspace and passengers, particularly, the Directorate of Quality Assurance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as well as the Accident Investigation Bureau, “which has compromised the safety standards of our aviation sector.â€
He noted that compliance with safety standards in the aviation sub-sector remained sacrosanct, given its sensitivity as well as extremely low tolerance for margins of error.
“Aviation Safety measures are rather proactive measures to mitigate against air mishaps as well as to enhance smooth operations and comfort of passengers,†he said.
No further contributions were allowed from members since the motion is investigative in nature so members don’t pre-empt the conclusion of the probe.
