Despite facing opposition from certain groups against the establishment of a new national airline for Nigeria, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has expressed its support for the government’s initiative.
The association has also urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to refrain from issuing Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) licenses to individuals lacking proper training and qualifications, a practice that has resulted in an increase of unskilled personnel in the field.
These statements were part of a communiqué issued in Port Harcourt at the conclusion of a one-day symposium organized by NAAPE.
The event centered around the theme “Effective Economic Regulation of the Aviation Industry as an Imperative For Safety and Workers Welfare.”
In the communiqué, NAAPE’s President, Engr. Abednego Galadima, emphasized that Nigeria, given its population and continental standing, deserves a national carrier capable of facilitating international travel for its citizens and others.
However, NAAPE also underscored the necessity for the government to adhere to proper procedures while establishing the new national carrier.
It is worth noting that opinions within the industry diverge regarding the creation of a new national carrier.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) particularly opposed the idea of Nigeria Air, expressing concerns that it could lead to an unfair competitive landscape for existing operators.
AON even took legal action against the Federal Government, alleging a lack of transparency in the process.
Despite these disagreements, all major industry unions, including NAAPE, voiced their support for the national carrier project.
They argued that it would generate employment opportunities for technical professionals.
NAAPE stressed the importance of proceeding with the establishment process while adhering to due processes.
Furthermore, NAAPE highlighted an issue regarding the proliferation of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AMOO) licenses issued by the NCAA to unqualified candidates.
This practice was observed to disadvantage trained and qualified personnel, as operators took advantage of this discrepancy.
NAAPE called on the NCAA to review its licensing methodology to prevent potential repercussions.
The communiqué also addressed safety concerns within the industry.
NAAPE expressed worry about the potential abandonment of the non-litigating reporting safety system by the NCAA, a system aimed at enhancing aviation safety standards.
Recent incidents and accidents among airline operators raised suspicions that the discontinuation of this system might have contributed to the safety issues.
In addition, NAAPE urged organizations and aviation agencies within the industry to provide relief measures to its members affected by the removal of fuel subsidies.
The association decried the adverse impact of this policy on its members’ ability to fulfill their daily obligations.
Lastly, NAAPE called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the mandatory contribution of 40% of aviation agencies’ revenues to the consolidated revenue fund.
The association argued that this policy hinders the agencies’ ability to fulfill their essential responsibilities, thereby compromising the safety of the flying public.
