Aviation Stakeholders Harp On Aircraft, Passengers Safety

Aviation stakeholders have advised new Director-General (DG), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Folayele Akinkuotu, to ensure that the security and safety of aircraft and passengers were guaranteed.

The stakeholders also advised Akinkuotu to intensify training and retraining of his staff in order to perform according to international standards.

The Senate on June 26 confirmed the appointment of Akinkuotu as the substantive DG of the NCAA, following the removal of its former DG, Dr Harold Demuren last March.

Managing Director, Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, described the confirmation of Akinkuotu as the best thing that has happened to the aviation industry in recent times.

“Now, we have somebody who is competent, experienced and qualified, and a respected pilot.

“He headed the Aviation Training College, Ilorin, from where he was appointed as the substantive NCAA Director-General,” he said.

Boyo also described Akinkuotu as a “good manager of human and material resources, “ adding, “I don’t think we would need somebody better than him at this time”.

He further advised the incoming DG to continue the good work started by Dr Harold Demuren, by ensuring that airline operators complied with the safety of their passengers and aircraft.

“The NCAA must enforce safety and security compliance by both commercial and privately owned and managed aircraft, to enhance and promote national interest “, he said.

Also, Mr Benjamin Okewu, National President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), described the confirmation of Akinkuotu as `wonderful`.

“We were not happy before now that the head of the number one regulatory body in the aviation industry has been in an acting position.

“Now, we can have decisions taken that would move the industry forward.

“Before now, the man at the head of the agency was in an acting position and there was a limitation to the decisions he could take, “ he said.

Okewu added that the NCAA has regained its autonomy with the confirmation of the appointment of its substantive DG.

He said that the NCAA was the number one policeman– in terms of safety and security in the aviation industry– and the new DG should ensure safety of aircraft and passengers.