NCAA – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:51:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png NCAA – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Enugu Air Gets Air Operator Certificate in Record Time https://techeconomy.ng/enugu-air-gets-air-operator-certificate-in-record-time/ https://techeconomy.ng/enugu-air-gets-air-operator-certificate-in-record-time/#respond Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:51:46 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=177528 Enugu Air, on Tuesday, received the Air Operator Certificate, AOC, from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Industry watchers described the development as a significant step in the realisation of Governor Peter Mbah’s vision  to position Enugu as a regional hub for commerce, logistics, and aviation in West and Central Africa.

Presenting the AOC to Captain Tolu Ita, Enugu Air’s accountable manager/ CEO, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, headquarters in Abuja, Captain Chris Najomo, the agency’s director general, described the developed as historic in the Nigerian aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air successfully completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks, significantly faster than the typical industry timeline of 15 to 24 months.

Enugu Air Operator Certificate -
L-r: Captain Tolu Ita, Enugu Air’s accountable manager/ CEO, receiving the Air Operator Certificate presented to Enugu Air by Captain Chris Najomo, DG of NCAA

According to the Captain Njomo, the fully state-owned airline also distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, which he said was a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country.

The DG emphasised that the certification process involved extensive evaluation across multiple NCAA departments and confirmed that Enugu Air had met all regulatory requirements, demonstrating full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety and operational standards.

He commended the vision and leadership of Governor Mbah, describing the speed and discipline with which the airline project was executed as evidence of purposeful governance.

The DG also acknowledged the dedication of the Enugu State team and urged the airline’s management to continue maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

In her remarks, the Accountable Manager/CEO of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu, expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for the vision of Enugu Air and also commended him for creating the enabling environment and providing the leadership support that made the record-breaking certification possible.

While thanking NCAA for the professionalism and support shown throughout the certification process, she reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier that would serve passengers with the highest standards of safety and service.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor, stressed that Enugu Air remained a strategic component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda aimed at unlocking economic opportunities across Enugu State, the wider South-East region, and Africa.

He noted that the airline would grow its fleet to 20 aircraft and also commence regional operations before the end of 2026, playing a critical role in connecting Enugu to key domestic and international markets and facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and mobility.

He commended Enugu Air’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, for its role in guiding the airline through the rigorous regulatory certification process required for the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate.

Speaking, Emmanuel Iza, the group chief executive o`fficer of XEJet Limited, who congratulated the airline for the feat, expressed pride in the Enugu Air/XEJET Limited partnership that produced the result.

“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector in advancing air transport development,” Iza stated.

On his part, Barrister Ricky Agu, the board chairman of Enugu Air, assured the NCAA that the state government would continue to provide the support required to ensure that Enugu Air operates at world-class standards.

The AOC presentation was witnessed by senior aviation regulators and other members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, and members of the airline’s management team.

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Ibom Air Tightens Power Bank Rules Following NCAA Safety Directive on Lithium Batteries https://techeconomy.ng/ibom-air-tightens-power-bank-rules-following-ncaa-safety-directive-on-lithium-batteries/ https://techeconomy.ng/ibom-air-tightens-power-bank-rules-following-ncaa-safety-directive-on-lithium-batteries/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:16:51 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=177141 Ibom Air has announced a significant update to its cabin safety protocols, strictly prohibiting the storage of power banks in overhead bins.

The move, which aligns with a recent directive from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is designed to mitigate the growing risk of lithium battery fires, specifically a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, during flights.

The New At-Hand Storage Rule

Effective immediately, passengers on Ibom Air are required to keep all portable power sources within immediate reach.

The airline’s updated policy specifies the following storage requirements:

Prohibited: Overhead bins (hat racks) and checked-in baggage.

Permitted: Seat-back pockets, under the seat in front, or within a carry-on bag kept at the passenger’s feet.

By keeping these devices visible and accessible, the airline ensures that cabin crew can respond instantly if a device begins to smoke or overheat.

Storing them in overhead bins often delays detection, allowing a potential fire to spread to other luggage before intervention is possible.

Capacity Limits: Understanding Watt-Hours (Wh)

The airline has also clarified the technical specifications for devices allowed on board. While most consumer electronics use Milliampere-hours (mAh) for branding, aviation safety is measured in Watt-hours (Wh):

  • Under 100Wh: Permitted without prior airline approval (standard for most smartphones and small tablets).
  • 100Wh to 160Wh: Requires prior approval from Ibom Air before travel.
  • Above 160Wh: Strictly prohibited on all flights.

Tech Tip: To calculate your power bank’s Watt-hours, use the formula: (mAh x Voltage) / 1000 = Wh. For a standard 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V, the rating is 74Wh, which is well within the safety limit.

The Danger of Thermal Runaway

The policy shift follows a global uptick in lithium-ion battery incidents. Unlike smartphones or laptops, many third-party power banks lack advanced thermal management systems.

If a battery cell is damaged or short-circuited, it can enter thermal runaway, a state where the battery generates heat faster than it can dissipate it.

At 35,000 feet, these fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish because they produce their own oxygen and can reignite even after being doused.

What This Means for Travelers

Ibom Air joins a growing list of global carriers, including United Nigeria Airlines and international giants like Lufthansa and Qantas, in adopting the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (67th Edition).

Beyond storage, the new standards also prohibit:

  • Charging power banks from in-seat USB ports.
  • The use of power banks to charge other devices during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

For the tech-savvy traveler, these regulations underscore the shift toward safe energy in the aviation industry.

While it may seem like an inconvenience, the move protects the airline’s high-value assets and ensures operational continuity.

As the gadget density per passenger increases, we expect more African carriers to enforce similar technocratic safety standards to prevent costly mid-air emergencies.

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NCAA Orders Overland Airways to Refund Passengers Over Wrongful VAT Charges on 2025 Tickets https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-orders-overland-airways-to-refund-passengers-over-wrongful-vat-charges-on-2025-tickets/ https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-orders-overland-airways-to-refund-passengers-over-wrongful-vat-charges-on-2025-tickets/#respond Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:41:28 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=176958 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed Overland Airways to refund passengers who were wrongly charged Value Added Tax (VAT) on flight tickets purchased in 2025.

The order followed a complaint on social media which drew attention to the issue, prompting a review of how the airline applied new tax policies to older bookings.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed on Friday that the airline has agreed to begin refunding affected passengers after receiving clarification from the tax authorities.

Dispute Over VAT on Pre-2026 Tickets

The controversy began in late January 2026 when a passenger alleged on X that her grandmother was asked to pay an additional N11,286 as VAT at the airport for a ticket that had already been bought in 2025.

On January 28, the NCAA summoned the airline to explain why passengers with pre-2026 tickets were being asked to make extra payments at check-in.

The regulator requested that the airline obtain a formal position from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) on whether the new VAT policy could be applied retroactively.

Tax Authority Clarifies Position

Following consultations, the NRS clarified that the updated VAT rules, which took effect on January 1, 2026, do not apply to tickets issued before that date.

Providing an update on X, Achimugu said the tax authority decided that tickets purchased before January 1, 2026, should not attract VAT under the new regime.

This means that passengers who were made to pay VAT before check-in in 2026 for tickets purchased since 2025 were not supposed to have been charged,” he said.

He added that the airline had accepted the clarification and committed to refunds.

Overland Airways, a responsible and law-abiding entity, has committed to redressing the situation by initiating refunds for affected passengers,” Achimugu stated.

Refunds to Affected Passengers

The NCAA said the matter has now been resolved and commended the airline for cooperating with the investigation once the tax authority issued its clarification.

According to Achimugu, while the airline initially believed the charges were justified under the new tax framework, the final interpretation rested with the revenue service.

The onus was on the NRS to clarify, which they have now done. I was also clear about the position of the NCAA. This issue has now been brought to a satisfactory conclusion,” he said.

The regulator reaffirmed its focus on protecting passenger rights and ensuring that policy changes do not lead to unfair financial burdens on travellers.

Passengers who travelled with Overland Airways using 2025-issued tickets and were charged additional VAT at the airport are now entitled to a full refund of the extra amount paid.

 

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Ticket Bookings Must Have Option for People with Special Needs – NCAA https://techeconomy.ng/ticket-bookings-must-have-option-for-people-with-special-needs-ncaa/ https://techeconomy.ng/ticket-bookings-must-have-option-for-people-with-special-needs-ncaa/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:32:58 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=175349 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has instructed domestic airline operators to add a special needs option to their online and offline ticket booking systems for passengers living with disabilities and Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs).

This was disclosed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s spokesperson,  in a statement issued on Friday, January 30, 2026. According to the statement, airline operators must add a compulsory feature for special needs or assistance requests to their reservation systems within one week, as non-compliance may result in regulatory penalties.

Achimugu stated that the request option would enable passengers to seek assistance before completing the ticket purchase process, to enhance seamless airline ticketing.

“The Authority recalls its earlier correspondence with Reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22 dated 13 April 2022, which directed all domestic airlines to conspicuously place on their online ticket reservation platforms a mandatory field, box, or column through which passengers may request assistance or give advance notice of special needs before ticket purchase.

“This requirement is further reinforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which mandates that during reservation, airlines, travel agents, and tour operators shall:

“Provide travellers the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations

“Mandatorily include on ticket portals a designated field or column through which persons with disabilities or their assistants may request special needs assistance while booking or purchasing flight tickets

“Actively enquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport and/or during flight operations.”

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Are Regulators Signalling a New Era of Accountability? https://techeconomy.ng/are-regulators-signalling-a-new-era-of-accountability/ https://techeconomy.ng/are-regulators-signalling-a-new-era-of-accountability/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:28:11 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=174193 For years, Nigerian consumers have complained, sometimes loudly, sometimes helplessly, about poor services.

Airlines, telecom operators and banks were always the biggest culprits. In fact, flight delays became routine, dropped calls almost normal, and unexplained bank charges a recurring irritation. What often followed were apologies, excuses and the almost obligatory regulatory silence.

It now appears that that era may finally be ending.

Recent moves by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside a growing pattern of firm enforcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), suggest that regulators are beginning to assert their authority more forcefully. The message is becoming clearer: protect consumers, or pay the price.

The NCAA’s recent warning to domestic airlines over chronic flight delays marks one of its strongest public stances in recent years. In a sector long shielded by sympathy for “operational challenges,” the regulator has now signalled that patience is wearing thin.

According to NCAA data, between September and October 2024 alone, domestic airlines recorded 5,225 delays and 901 cancellations out of 10,804 flights.

This means that nearly half of all flights were delayed. While weather and technical issues are unavoidable realities of aviation, the NCAA argues that persistent inefficiency, poor planning and weak communication are not.

What appears to have triggered the tougher tone is not just the delays themselves, but how passengers are treated when things go wrong. Complaints about lack of information, poor handling at terminals and disregard for First Needs Compensation have become increasingly common.

By referencing JetBlue’s $2 million fine in the United States for chronic delays, the NCAA is clearly signalling its intent to align Nigeria’s aviation regulation with global best practices. Support for airlines, the regulator insists, must now be matched by accountability and service improvement.

The NCC’s warning to telecom operators follows a similar pattern: longstanding consumer frustration, followed by a regulator armed with data and renewed resolve.

Telecom subscribers have endured dropped calls, slow internet speeds and unstable connections, even as tariffs increase and digital dependence deepens.

The NCC’s response has been to partner with Ookla to produce a transparent, data-backed assessment of network performance across operators.

The results were revealing. MTN emerged as the strongest performer nationally, while others showed notable weaknesses, Globacom with high latency and jitter, Airtel grappling with transition challenges, and 9mobile delivering inconsistent service across regions.

More important than the rankings, however, is the regulatory shift they represent. By grounding enforcement in independent performance data, the NCC is moving away from abstract warnings to evidence-based regulation.

Underperforming operators can no longer hide behind generic claims or marketing slogans.

The commission’s message is blunt: improve network quality, especially latency and stability, or face sanctions.

In a digital economy where banking, commerce, education and healthcare increasingly rely on connectivity, poor service is no longer a minor inconvenience; it is a systemic risk.

Unlike the NCAA and NCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria has already shown what tough regulation looks like in practice.

Over the past few years, the CBN has sanctioned several banks and financial institutions for regulatory breaches ranging from Know-Your-Customer (KYC) failures and anti-money laundering lapses to poor consumer protection practices. In some cases, banks have been fined billions of naira, publicly named, or restricted from certain operations.

The apex bank has also pushed aggressively on issues such as illegal charges, customer complaint resolution timelines, and data protection.

The introduction of frameworks like the Consumer Protection Regulation (CPR) and the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) reflects a broader philosophy: financial institutions must serve customers responsibly or face consequences.

Taken together, the actions of the NCAA, NCC and CBN point to a potential turning point in Nigeria’s regulatory culture.

For too long, regulators were perceived as either underpowered or overly sympathetic to operators, often citing harsh operating environments as justification for weak enforcement.

That narrative is changing

The common thread across these sectors is the growing recognition that consumer protection is not optional.

Airlines, telcos and banks operate in challenging environments, but they also provide essential services. When failures become systemic rather than exceptional, regulation must intervene decisively.

There is also a political dimension. Public frustration with poor service delivery is rising, and regulators are under pressure to demonstrate relevance.

By taking tougher stances, agencies signal not only professionalism but alignment with broader governance expectations.

For operators, the implications are clear. Compliance can no longer be treated as a box-ticking exercise. Investments in infrastructure, customer service, communication systems and operational planning are no longer optional; they are survival strategies.

For consumers, the shift offers cautious optimism. Stronger regulation does not automatically translate to better service, but it creates the conditions for improvement. When penalties are real and enforcement credible, behaviour changes.

The real test, however, lies ahead. Warnings must be followed by action. Sanctions must be consistent, transparent and fair. Regulators must resist pressure, lobbying and regulatory capture.

Yes, after years of looking the other way, Nigeria’s regulators appear to be waking up. The question now is whether they will stay awake.

*Eromosele, a corporate communications expert and sustainability advocate, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

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Airfares Hike: NCAA Tackles Air Peace CEO, Rejects ‘18 Taxes’ Claim as Unfounded https://techeconomy.ng/airfares-hike-ncaa-tackles-air-peace-ceo-rejects-18-taxes-claim-as-unfounded/ https://techeconomy.ng/airfares-hike-ncaa-tackles-air-peace-ceo-rejects-18-taxes-claim-as-unfounded/#respond Mon, 29 Dec 2025 03:30:32 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=173292 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a stinging rebuttal against claims made by Allen Onyema, Air Peace chairman and CEO, regarding the cause of skyrocketing domestic airfares.

In a move that signals a deepening rift between the regulator and the airline chief, the NCAA formally dismissed allegations that domestic carriers are burdened by “18 different taxes,” describing such assertions as a “lie.”

The ‘18 Taxes’ Controversy

The conflict erupted following an interview where Allen Onyema attributed high ticket prices, which have seen some 45-minute domestic flights climb to ₦500,000 this December, to an oppressive tax regime.

Onyema claimed that nearly 70% of ticket revenue is siphoned off by various government levies and charges, leaving airlines as the “sacrificial lamb.”

Responding via a statement on Sunday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, challenged the Air Peace boss to provide evidence for the figures.

“Any domestic carrier operating domestic flights that says they are paying 18 taxes is a liar,” Achimugu stated. “We have invited domestic airlines to clarify the matter, and they all admitted to not paying the volume of taxes being bandied around.”

Market Forces vs. Government Levies

The NCAA maintains that while airfares are high, the surge is driven purely by market forces of demand and supply typical of the Yuletide season, rather than any new fiscal policy.

Achimugu questioned the logic of the airline’s defense, noting that if taxes were the primary driver of the ₦150,000–₦200,000 base fares, they could not explain why prices jumped to ₦500,000 in December when no tax hikes occurred.

“It is Nigerians on Nigerians. This is not government,” the NCAA official remarked, dismissing the narrative that the Tinubu administration is “throwing domestic carriers under the bus.”

Key Points of Contention:

  • The 70% Claim: Air Peace alleges 65–70% of ticket costs go to levies; NCAA insists this is factually incorrect for domestic operations.
  • Profitability: Onyema argues South-East routes are often “one-way” traffic in December (full going, empty returning), forcing airlines to double prices to cover costs.
  • Global Parity: Onyema claims Nigerian domestic fares are among the lowest globally; the NCAA finds this claim ironic given the current ₦500,000 price point for short-haul flights.

The Economic Impact on 2026

This dispute comes at a sensitive time for the Nigerian economy. With the New Tax Laws set for January 1, 2026, the aviation sector is under pressure to harmonize its costs. Industry analysts suggest that if the NCAA and major carriers like Air Peace cannot agree on a transparent pricing framework, the high cost of travel could dampen the “economic revitalisation” goals set by the Presidency for the coming year.

As of Monday morning, December 29, 2025, Air Peace has yet to issue a formal counter-response to the NCAA’s “liar” label, but the exchange has already sparked a heated debate regarding the transparency of “charges and levies” in Nigeria’s aviation value chain.

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FG Orders Ibom Air to Lift Lifetime Ban on Comfort Emmanson https://techeconomy.ng/fg-orders-ibom-air-lift-comfort-emmanson-ban/ https://techeconomy.ng/fg-orders-ibom-air-lift-comfort-emmanson-ban/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:16:01 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=164946 The Federal Government has overturned the lifetime flight ban imposed on Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and cut Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s suspension from six months to one month.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the development on Wednesday through his official X account, revealing that the decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, public appeals, and expressions of remorse from both parties.

Emmanson, who had been held at Kirikiri Prison since her arrest on 10 August 2025, will be released this week following Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its criminal complaint. 

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to remove the lifetime ban it placed on her. According to Keyamo, “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”

Battle for the Boarding Pass: Air Peace vs. Ibom Air on Key Nigerian Routes

The case of Comfort Emmanson began during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, when she reportedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, later escalating into an altercation with Ibom Air crew members. She was charged at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court before being remanded.

In a separate incident, Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, had faced a six-month no-fly sanction for allegedly attempting to board a ValueJet flight at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 5 August 2025 with a flask suspected to contain alcohol. 

Reports say he refused to hand it over and proceeded to walk onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s movement.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had also suspended the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba for taxiing while individuals were still on the runway. 

Under the new resolution, their licences will be reinstated after serving the same one-month suspension, followed by a professional reappraisal.

Industry bodies had earlier intervened, with the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) urging the NCAA to reconsider the pilots’ suspension, citing their clean professional records. 

However, some aviation law experts, including Professor Ismail Adua Mustapha, had warned that failing to prosecute KWAM 1 could harm Nigeria’s Grade A safety rating and breach obligations under international aviation rules, such as Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention.

Keyamo stressed that the decisions were made purely on compassionate grounds, stating they do not reflect a soft approach to aviation misconduct. He announced that KWAM 1 will now serve as an ambassador for airport security protocol, a role aimed at promoting awareness of proper conduct in aviation environments.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with him to drive the campaign. The decision has divided public opinion, some view it as a smart way to turn a high-profile infraction into an educational effort, while others question the optics of appointing someone recently sanctioned to champion discipline in aviation spaces.

As part of the measures, a nationwide aviation security retreat will be held to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also undergo targeted sessions to improve staff professionalism and passenger relations.

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NCAA Cites ‘Elevated Safety Concerns’ as Reasons for Dana Airline Suspension https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-cites-elevated-safety-concerns-as-reasons-for-dana-airline-suspension/ https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-cites-elevated-safety-concerns-as-reasons-for-dana-airline-suspension/#respond Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:04:10 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=129807 The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines with effect immediately amidst safety concerns.

The directive is contained in a letter issued and signed by Chris Najomo, the NCAA acting director general.

It said the action was based on “elevated safety concerns” posed by the airline.

“As a precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with effect from 24″ April, 2024 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit,” the letter partly read.

The airline suspension came less than 48 hours after an aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) belonging to Dana Air experienced a runway incursion on Tuesday upon landing at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja.

According to the airline, all the 83 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were evacuated safely.

“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or fear as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism,” the airline said, adding that the country’s investigation Bureau and NCAA have been properly briefed about the incident

Meanwhile, this is the second time within two years that the NCAA would suspend the airline’s AOC over safety violations.

In 2022, the airline’s operation was halted after the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority came out negative.

According to the NCAA at the time, the findings of an investigation conducted on the airline’s flight operations revealed that Dana Airlines was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and conduct safe flight operations.

In its first reaction on Tuesday following the runway incursion incident, the NCAA said in accordance with statutory procedures, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced its investigation on the incident.

On Wednesday, the authority said it was awaiting the preliminary report of the investigation launched by NSIB.

“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an in-house compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving DANA Air aircraft. This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers,” the NCAA said.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in sharing the concerns of the Authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.

“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of your organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations” it concluded.

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NCAA Suspends Private Jet Operators Over Permit Abuse https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-suspends-private-jet-operators-over-permit-abuse/ https://techeconomy.ng/ncaa-suspends-private-jet-operators-over-permit-abuse/#respond Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:41:39 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=129312 For violating the instruction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Tuesday, suspended the licences of three private jet operators over abuse of their permits.

Recall that Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in 2023 ordered the cessation of permit for non-commercial flights (PNCF), against engaging in the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire and reward.

Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA warned holders of the permit of PNCF against engaging in the carriage of passenger cargo or mail for hire and reward.

Meanwhile, in a press statement signed by the Chris Najomo, Capt. Chria, acting director general, NCAA, said to further sanitise the general aviation sector, he directed re-evaluation of all holders of PNCF be carried out on or before April 19, 2024, to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.

According to him, all PNCF holders will be required to submit relevant documents to the Authority in the next 72 hours.

He said:

“The Authority has deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria. As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

“In line with our zero tolerance for violation of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators. To further sanitize the general aviation sector, I have directed that’s a re-evaluation of all holders of PNCF be carried out on or before the 19th of April 2024 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.

“All PNCF holders will be required to submit relevant documents to the authority within the next 72 hours. This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilize aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations,” NCAA stated.

Najomo, however, reiterated that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorised to be used in the provision of such charter services.

“It must be emphasized that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorized to be used in the provision of such charter services.

Any of those AOC holders who wish to use the aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it into the AOC operations specification.

“NCAA wishes to reiterate to the travelling public not to patronize any airline charter operator who does not hold a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the NCAA, when they wish to procure charter operations services.

“Finally, NCAA encourages the legitimate players in the aviation industry to report the activity of such unscrupulous elements to the authority promptly for necessary action,” it added.

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FG Worried over High Cost of Air Tickets https://techeconomy.ng/fg-worried-over-high-cost-of-air-tickets/ https://techeconomy.ng/fg-worried-over-high-cost-of-air-tickets/#respond Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:12:07 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=126316 The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed readiness to unblock low inventory tickets that have been inaccessible for over 18months.

It also promises to recommend appropriate pricing of ticket in Nigeria compared to similar markets in the West African sub-region.

This was disclosed in a press statement released to journalists on Thursday, signed by Chris Najomo, director-general, NCAA, following a two-day meeting between NCAA and foreign airlines, held at the headquarters of the NCAA in Abuja.

The federal government in a bid to make air travel more affordable for Nigerians, has through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, set up a 10-man committee to probe foreign airlines over skyrocketing fares.

The committee, chaired by Horatius Egua, director of special duties, at NCAA, aims to ensure foreign airlines comply with government directives to unblock low-inventory tickets that have been inaccessible for over 18 months as well as recommend appropriate pricing of tickets in Nigeria compared to similar markets in the West African sub-region.

Members of the committee are: Michael Achimugu, Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection NCAA; Rotimi Arogunjo General Manager, Licensing and Statistics NCAA; Ogechi Louis-Azode Deputy General Manager, Legal Services NCAA; Susan Akporiaye

Others are; President National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies; Olaoluwa Oladipupo Assistant General Manager, Fairs and Tariffs NCAA; David-Ojuigo Asst. Director FCCPC; Yinka Folami incoming President NANTA; and Florence Abebe, Chief Legal Officer FCCPC while Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant, DG, NCAA is to serve as Secretary.

Emphasizing the need for fair hearing to Nigerian, Egua said the need for fair pricing, saying, “This is very discriminatory in nature. We cannot continue to pay higher fares compared to other countries in the sub-region that have similar distances, using the same operating aircraft. We have the market and in some cases we have more liberal taxes? This is unacceptable and we totally reject this.

He explained, “For instance, a distance of six hours from Ghana to London may sometimes cost about $800 while similar distance with similar operating aircraft cost over $2000 in Nigeria. This is discriminatory and an unfair practice and we reject this in totality,”

“In the last several months, Nigerians have been made to pay higher fares on international flights unjustly as all the foreign airlines increased their flight tickets astronomically citing the high exchange rate as well as other sundry issues and also deliberately blocked low inventory tickets making travel unbearable for Nigerians.”

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