• Restates commitment to safety, strict regulations

By Sade Williams

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reiterated its commitment to safety and strict economic regulation of the aviation sector, saying it will not be distracted by any blackmail or falsehood.

A statement made available over the weekend by Michael Achimugu, director, consumer protection & public affairs, condemned what he termed “barrage of blackmail proposals and letters from various sponsored groups masquerading as Perception Managers and Influence Groups.”

The authority said Chris Najomo, its director-general, and the management will not bow to blackmail or threats of any nature, adding it is only preoccupied by its core duty of ensuring safety in the sector.

The NCAA statement is coming against the backdrop of the allegation of car purchase by its director general. It noted that it  acknowledges the genuine civil society organisations that have written to seek clarification about the issues raised, adding that the NCAA will continue to be transparent about their concerns.

“We stand by our response via the press conference held on 29/04/2024  that no purchase of vehicles has been made and so, no procurement rules have been abused.

“The NCAA remains committed to ensuring that safety and economic regulations are strictly adhered to. We have serious work to do and we must acknowledge and appreciate the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, to improving the aviation sector as the centrepiece of Nigeria’s economic growth. The NCAA is grateful for the support of its staffers and unions who recently expressed a vote of confidence in the Capt. Najomo-led management,” he added.