Aviation Expert Urges NCAA to Close Substandard Airports

Group Captain John Ojikutu (retired), a prominent figure in the aviation industry, has underscored the importance of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) taking decisive action by shutting down airports that fall short of the minimal industry standards. In a candid interview with InfoStride News, Ojikutu expressed his concern over the existing disparities in regulatory actions between private organizations, particularly airlines, and government agencies that operate below industry benchmarks.

While the NCAA has, at times, imposed punitive measures on private entities that fail to meet industry standards, Ojikutu pointed out that it has not been equally assertive in addressing government agencies’ non-compliance with necessary operational benchmarks. The former Group Captain’s observations shed light on the broader issue of airports across Nigeria operating below the expected standards, despite being under the jurisdiction of the apex aviation regulatory authority.

Ojikutu’s concerns stem from the fact that a significant number of airports in Nigeria are operating below the requisite standards, yet the NCAA has not taken the same stringent actions against them as it has against private organizations. This discrepancy in regulatory enforcement is a pressing matter in the Nigerian aviation sector.

One of the pivotal points raised by Ojikutu pertains to Nigeria’s failure to achieve the minimum required score of 75% in the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Audit. This deficiency can be attributed to the absence of certification for any of the international airports in the country. While this revelation is alarming, it highlights the urgent need for regulatory action and airport oversight.

Ojikutu firmly advocated for the NCAA to conduct regular audits of airports, mirroring the approach taken with airlines, ground handling companies, and related organizations. The absence of consistent auditing for airports is a significant gap in the industry’s regulatory framework, and its consequences should not be underestimated.

Questioning the effectiveness of the NCAA’s checklists and standards for critical airport elements such as runways, taxiways, lighting, perimeter security, and more, Ojikutu emphasized the need for these facilities to be managed and maintained by adequately skilled personnel. These aspects are essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and operational excellence at airports.

Ojikutu raised pertinent questions: “I am deeply surprised that the audits of airports, which normally should be periodically and yearly, are being escalated as something new. Yearly auditing is not only meant for airlines but for the airports and the allied services like the ground handlers, fuel marketers, and catering services. Like the airlines, the airports need certification before they are put into operation, but how many of them are certified? What is the consequence on the insurance of the airlines in the event of an accident in any of our airports that is yet to be certified? Before upgrading, how many airports are certified by the NCAA? To the best of my knowledge, only Lagos and Abuja airports are certified, and the remaining 19 airports are not. But on whose statutory authority are these other ones operating? If any airport is operating lower than the standards of its approved program, it is necessary for the airports to be grounded in the same manner an airline is grounded.”

Ojikutu further noted that the NCAA has extended numerous concessions to government agencies within the aviation sector, while not affording the same privileges to private operators. This discrepancy in regulatory treatment has raised concerns about the fairness and consistency of regulatory oversight within the industry.

The significance of Ojikutu’s remarks becomes evident in the context of the recent revelation that Nigeria lost approximately 12 points in the ICAO audit due to the absence of certification for any of the five airports in the country. Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted that without airport certification, it is exceedingly challenging for a country to score above 70% in ICAO audits. He emphasized that the NCAA would not grant undeserved certifications to any organization or airport, signaling the importance of adhering to established industry standards.

In conclusion, the aviation industry in Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges, with airport infrastructure and compliance standing out as critical issues that demand immediate attention. Group Captain John Ojikutu (retired) has aptly emphasized the necessity for the NCAA to take a proactive approach in ensuring that airports across Nigeria adhere to the highest standards of safety, security, and operational excellence. This proactive stance is not only vital for Nigeria’s international reputation but also for the safety and satisfaction of air travelers within the country. The regulatory authority must adopt a consistent and impartial approach to oversight, treating all entities, whether government or private, with equal rigor in upholding industry standards. By addressing these concerns and implementing necessary reforms, Nigeria can enhance its aviation sector’s competitiveness and overall safety, fostering a brighter future for the industry.