SON probes allegation
IN line with its regulatory role, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday allayed fears over the alleged conversion of domestic kerosene into aviation fuel, saying it was near impossible to do so given the complex process the product will go through before being used by aircraft.
Briefing reporters yesterday, the NCAA's Director General, Dr. Harold Demuren, said it was practically impossible for any aviation fuel marketer to supply adulterated fuel to the airlines, saying that any fuel imported into the country had the approval of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
Meanwhile, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has waded into the alleged alteration of aviation fuel with kerosene by some airline operators.
The agency has moved in its experts and laboratories to ensure standards in the quality of aviation fuel used by airlines and to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised.
In a related development, the management of Sahara Group, the oil company accused of importing adulterated aviation fuel into the country, has denied doing so.
Demuren explained that after the DPR's approval, NCAA also had facilities at the airport to test whatever was being brought into the industry, adding that safety would not be compromised in any way by the agency.
He, however, emphasised that the regulatory body was investigating the allegation against Sahara Energy, but maintained that there were international standard and recommended practices that must be followed by all marketers.
"Every fuel that is brought into the industry is checked at all level to ensure that it is aviation fuel. I want to assure the flying public that aviation industry is save and secured. Nobody can import fuel without the approval of DPR."
The Guardian