The problem of noise nuisance and environmental pollution will progressively get worse in Nigeria as more of the old, noisy and fuel guzzling aircraft already banned in Europe and American are being dumped in the country, a dependable source revealed.

The source stated that the most obvious reason for this environment pollution is that of economic consideration as Nigerian operators are only able to afford ageing aircraft.

He further remarked that because there is no regulation and or procedure for noise abatement in the country aircraft make as much noise as they want day or night with impunity, adding that this has adversely affected a number of houses and people in Lagos and other area.

Our sources, however noted that developed and industrial countries are desirous of a more environmental friendly skies for which they insist on the use of modern aircraft that are quieter and more fuel efficient.

Our dependable source noted that presently in the country there is no legislation to address this situation and current legislation has allowed the operation of any type of aircraft anytime of the day or night. He posited that noise from departing aircraft at certain peak periods has become unbearable to the extent that concerned residents of these area and environmentalists are now enquiring about possible line of action opened to them.

A critical analyses of the situation of aircraft nuisance around Lagos is even more worrisome as the situation can only get worse rather than improving. In a bid to address the problem of growing emission, our source stated that researches have indicated that changes to engine and airframe designs will be responsible for about 40 per cent, 50 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency within the next 50 years, adding that technological and operational  efficiency improvement alone will not be sufficient to off-set completely the effects of increasing emission in Nigeria.

The aviation expert therefore recommended measures to address the problem in the country which include restriction to the use of a particular runway compatible with flight safety, noise abatement procedure and noise monitoring devices.

However our source revealed that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has meticulously drawn up emission standard for engine certification which engine manufacturers now meet for modern and next generation aircraft stating that for environmental consideration time is ripe for action to be taken now. It would be recalled that aviation stakeholders has adduced technical fault as the probable cause of the Dana air crash which occurred at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos recently.

The stakeholders in the aviation industry applaud the attempt of the captain to save the situation however condemned the management of Dana airline over an alleged flying an over aged aircraft of 1981 pointed an engine failure while described the crash as a sad event for the aviation sector.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos