BY FESTUS OKOROMADU
In what can be described as a consequence of the aviation fuel contamination incident involving Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Max Air, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has imposed suspensions on all unlicensed oil marketers and those with expired licenses, preventing them from supplying and refueling aircraft at any of the country’s airports.
It should be recalled that the NCAA and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority convened a series of meetings to address the incident involving aviation fuel suppliers at airports.
After a thorough review, the regulatory authority chose to suspend those suppliers who failed to meet the required standards and certification.
The NCAA then announced the suspension during the inaugural session of the collaborative NCAA Audit Committee responsible for overseeing all aviation fuel activities in Nigeria.
According to the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, the detection of non-licensed aircraft fuelers and expired license holders was achieved in collaboration with NMDPRA.
Nuhu who was represented by Director, Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Ibrahim Bello Dambazau, said, “This collaboration with NMPDRA has yielded positive results so far. The collaboration has led to the identification of all non-licensed fuellers and those with expired licenses. That has led to the suspension of all their activities in the airport in Nigeria.”
Furthermore, he pointed out the recent issuance of an All Operators Letter, making it mandatory for operators to follow approved fuelling requirements. He emphasized the NCAA’s increased vigilance in ensuring comprehensive compliance.
He claimed that the recent fuel contamination incidents, especially those involving Max Air, have garnered attention not only within the country but also internationally.
“This has created negative publicity in the industry and a level of fear amongst the public, which is justified,” he said.
