NCAA: We’ll Continue to Sanction Private Airplane Used for Commercial Operations

  • Seek collaboration with aviation correspondents on accurate reportage 

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that it will continue to sanction  private airplane used for commercial operations.

NCAA’s acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed this Monday while playing host to Abuja Transportation and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) in his office in Abuja.

Najomo noted that social media was a very powerful tool that could be used for good projection of activities of the country, adding that: “We must be very careful of what we chun out daily.

“We are going to continue to sanction, it is not business as usual. Do the right thing and you would not be grounded. Get your AOC and all would be well.

NCAA had recently suspended the permit of three private jet owners for engaging in illegal operations.

According to the agency, the sanctioned jet operators have violated the terms of their permits for using their jets for commercial purposes.

Speaking further, Najomo tasked media practitioners on the correct narrative of events that brings about positive impact to the agency, the aviation industry and wealth of the country amongst the league of nations of the world.

Najomo said: “If the body is doing something good, report. Don’t use your pen and paper to blackmail. Investigate properly, cross check with your colleagues for correct information, because social media is very strong these days.”

He, however, called on journalists to refrain from junk journalism of blackmail as it doesn’t speak well of the profession. 

Earlier, Chairman, ATACA, Mr. Oru Leonard, commended Najomo for piloting the affairs of the agency in a professional manner.

Oru, while outlining the activities of the Association to the NCAA boss, however, urged the agency to open its door of activities to journalists for proper coverage. 

He noted: “You don’t expect good reportage from a distance. There must be closeness and with that, we avoid beer parlour talks. Aviation is critical and NCAA involves technicalities, so; we seek for more training of our members.”