The chairman, house of representatives committee on aviation, Mr. Nnolim Nnaji has cautioned the minister of aviation and aerospace, Mr. Hadi Sirika from taking actions capable of interfere with the autonomy of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He expressed concern about the brewing threats of mass resignations among the critical personnel of the authority following intense pressure on the regulatory agency to grant some waivers to the proposed Nigeria Air.
“I understand that some senior personnel of the authority are threatening to turn in their resignation letters over claims of pressure on NCAA from the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika to grant waivers to the proposed Nigeria Air.
“It is a well-acknowledged fact that the Minister has a passionate desire to deliver a national carrier to Nigerians but if the project could not materialise under him it shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair.
“Government is a continuum. Whatever he could not accomplish, the next government or the next minister after him will take over. I believe that any good projects he could not finish his predecessor will not abandon them so long as they will add value to the industry” He stressed.
He also cautioned the minister to exercise restraints and allow the promoters of Nigeria Air to undergo the whole processes and procedures for approvals of Air Transport Licence (ATOL) and Air Operator’s Certificate, (AOC).
Nnaji reminded Sirika that at the last meeting with the house committee on aviation, he (Sirika) pledged to submit the proposed airline’s final business case (FBC) which would give details of all the investors and their shares but he never did to date.
He stressed that the Nigeria Air did not have the backing of the parliament because all the contentious issues raised by the legislature regarding the project remained unresolved.
The legislator also expressed concern regarding fear and panic gripping the industry over mass sack and urged the minister to douse the tension by coming clean about his plans.
He reminded the minister that aviation is a sensitive and fragile industry and should be devoid of apprehension and trepidation in every respect.
