The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced worry about the alleged intention to move essential firefighting simulation gear from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos.
In a statement by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson for NEF, they expressed concern over the relocation of the firefighting simulator from NCAT.
According to Daily Trust, this move is particularly concerning due to the institution’s significant history and crucial contribution to the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The statement reads:
“The relocation of this critical equipment could have negative implications not only for the institution but also for the broader aviation sector in the country. The firefighting simulators at NCAT are crucial in preparing future aviation professionals for potential fire emergencies.
“Relocating these simulators to an undisclosed location could jeopardise the quality of training provided to students at the college and compromise the safety of air travel in Nigeria.”
They expressed concern about relocating vital equipment from NCAT to an undisclosed site, highlighting its disruptive and potentially damaging effects.
Emphasising the importance of adequately training aviation professionals for the safety and future of Nigeria’s aviation industry, they stressed the need to oppose any decision that compromises this imperative.
In a prompt response, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, refuted the claims, asserting that the report was untrue and baseless.
He described it as a deliberate attempt to cause trouble. Through his media aide, Tunde Moshood, the minister stated that the Speaker of the House of Representatives had already discussed the matter privately with him a few days earlier, and he had assured the Speaker that the rumour held no merit.
In the meantime, the Nigerian government has verified that approximately $600 million owned by foreign airlines remains within Nigeria.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, clarified that commercial banks, not the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are responsible for this sum.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had previously expressed concern about $700 million being inaccessible after the CBN asserted it had resolved all outstanding foreign exchange (FX) obligations to foreign airlines.
