FG sets up committee to probe aviation fuel contamination incidents

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has set up a joint committee to conduct a holistic review and audit all jet A1 suppliers.

Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Musa Nuhu, director-general of NCAA, said the committee would identify all the causes of fuel contamination and proffer solutions.

He said the committee is also mandated to assess fueling facilities and equipment from the initial source to the point of fueling into the aircraft.

Nuhu was represented by Ibrahim Danbazau, director of operations, license and training, NCAA.

The director-general said the committee has 60 days to do the audit across the nation.

He said there have been serious incidents relating to aviation fuel contamination, citing the Max Air incident in Yola.

This, Nuhu said, created negative publicity in the industry and a level of fear among the public.

“The terms of reference (TOR) has been spelt out that would see the committee members tour all over the country to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements,” he said.

“At this junction, I want to sincerely appreciate the Presidency, the national assembly and development partners for the unwavering support and keen interest shown.

“The presidency and the minister have directed that this investigation must be brought to a logical conclusion in the interest of the Nigerian population.”

COMMITTEE TO IMPROVE AIR SAFETY

Meanwhile, the 35-member committee was drawn from the NCAA, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Other agencies are the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Association of Fuel Marketers in Nigeria.

NCAA MANDATES OPERATORS TO COMPLY WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Nuhu charged the committee to proffer recommendations that would improve the levels of safety in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He also enjoined the committee to take the national assignment with all seriousness, making recommendations that would help prevent future occurrences.

The NCAA boss said the authority and inspectors are working studiously to ensure that the safety of air travel in Nigeria is compromised.

He promised Nigerians that the recommendations from the committee will be fully implemented in the interest of the public and safe air travel in Nigeria.

According to Nuhu, the collaboration with NMPDRA has helped to identify all non-licensed fuelers and those with expired licenses in Nigeria which has led to the suspension of all their activities in the airports.

“The authority has not been sleeping and has taken steps in the aftermath of the incidents which included the investigation of all the incidents that have been reported,” he added.

“NCAA is also collaborating with sister agencies in the aviation industry to realise its plan.

“Furthermore, an all-operators letter (AOL) has been issued mandating all operators to comply with all requirements for fueling as approved.”

Nuhu added that the authority has heightened its surveillance to ensure complete compliance.