The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated its Aviation committee to begin a holistic investigation on the technical and operational status of registered commercial and private aircraft operating in the country. The decision followed a motion moved at plenary by Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike. He had explained that the investigation was necessary to mitigate air mishap, enhance smooth operations and ensure compliance to safety standards and international practices.
The Honourable member warned that non-compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements exposes passengers and equipment to high level of risks. He further accused the aviation sub-sector of compromising safety standards either for pecuniary gains or ineptitude.
He specifically claimed that there are existing complicity between airline operators in Nigeria and the regulatory bodies charged with safety of the airspace and passengers, particularly the Directorate of Quality Assurance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as well as the Accident Investigation Bureau.
Meanwhile, the committee is expected to evaluate the operational environment of the aviation sub-sector to enhance improved operational standards, boost the safety, protection, confidence and comfort of passengers flying the Nigerian airspace.
