NCAA reacts to trending video of Nigerian airline with worn-out tyres

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared that no Nigerian airline can operate with worn-out tyres, contrary to what has been trending online in the past one week.

The regulatory authority insisted that with all the various checks and counter checks it had put in place, combined with that of the operators, it is improbable that any airline in Nigeria would operate a service with that kind of tyre.

The regulatory agency, however, advised the original author of the post or any other individuals with safety-related issues to furnish it with the identity of the airline or any such information to enable it establish the authenticity of the claim and ensure appropriate action.

A press statement by Sam Adurogboye, the General Manager, the NCAA Public Affairs, said its Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) are well-trained and well-motivated to carry out routine ramp inspection on all airlines operating in Nigeria.

Adurogboye hinted that it is the primary responsibility of the authority’s inspectors to ensure that all the parts of the aircraft complies with the applicable airworthiness requirements and remains in a condition for safe operation before every flight and throughout its operating life.

He said in addition to the agency’s oversight roles, NCAA had placed the onerous responsibility of the first line of safety on the operating airlines’ Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of each flight and the assigned engineer that authorised each flight.

He said: “According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 5.4.1.1(b) the authority shall issue a Certificate of Airworthiness for aircraft registered in Nigeria based on satisfactory evidence that the aircraft complies with the design aspects of the appropriate airworthiness requirements (type certificate) and is in a condition for safe operation.

“NCAA’s Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) are well-trained and well-motivated to carry out routine ramp inspection on all airlines operating in Nigeria.

“It is the primary responsibility of the authority inspectors to ensure that all the parts of the aircraft complies with the applicable airworthiness requirements and remains in a condition for safe operation before every flight and throughout its operating life.

“However, NCAA wishes to advise the original author of the post or any other individuals with safety related issue, if any, to furnish the authority with the identity of the airline or any of such information to enable us establish the authenticity of the claim and ensure appropriate action.”

He maintained that NCAA would continue to carry out surveillance checks on the industry to ensure safety and security of airline operations in Nigeria, noting that violation is viewed seriously.