Alexander Davis | ����

The Nigerian Presidency has described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s latest pronouncement on the economy as a disconnect from “the authentic Nigerian reality”.

The Federal Government said recent statistics, however, tell a different narrative about socioeconomic developments in the West African country.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who issued a rejoinder to Atiku’s recent statement Monday, September 15, 2025, stated: “Talk is cheap. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country.”

The government insisted that their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of the country’s situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, “is grossly misleading.”

Onanuga also stated: “Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story.

“Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined for the fifth consecutive month.”

The Presidential aide also explained: “Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 percent.

“Our Foreign Exchange (Forex) reserves are on the rise, now approaching $42 billion.”

The statement further noted: “When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at $32 billion, much of it encumbered.

“This administration has since cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.”

It stated that Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is recording “unprecedented revenues”.

“9States are now able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly and still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.

“Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios and revolutionary rhetoric,” Onanuga asserted.

According to him, “ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice-President. President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.”

The Presidency said after just two years and five months in office, “we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership.”

The statement added: “Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation.”

Gbenga Kayode | ����

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive (CE) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lagos, has said Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end as his oil-refining facility commenced production a year ago.

���� reports Dangote stated this Monday, September 15, 2025, while speaking at a conference to mark the 1st Anniversary of the launch of petrol roll-out from the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) oil refinery, in Lagos.

A Fleet of Dangote’s Compressed Natural Gas-Powered Trucks Loading with PMS at Dangote Petroleum Refinery Gantry, Lagos, at the Unveiling of CNG-Powered Trucks for Free Logistics for Distribution Scheme and 1st Anniversary of the Refinery’s PMS Roll-Out, in Lagos  

He also highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.

Energy consumers ‘witnessing a new era’ in Nigeria

The President if Dangote Group, however, noted this issue has been steadily resolved since the Dangote Petroleum Refinery activated oil production September 3, 2024.

He explained: “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.”

Acknowledging the numerous challenges, which the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote also emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

The Chief Executive of Dangote Group stated: “The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria.

“Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.”

He averred: “What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.

“Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.

According to him, he received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign countries undertook such large-scale refinery ventures.

Why I dared the odds: Dangote

Dangote enthusiastically admitted that had the petroleum refinery project failed at the time, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

He recalled: “The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets.

“But we believed in Nigeria and Africa.”

The President of Dangote Group further said despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South-West region, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara states in Nigeria.

With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.

Dangote noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery disclosed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

This development, he noted, has underscored the capacity of the refinery to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

On job creation for Nigerians, others

Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities.

The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said.

“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage.

“Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. “We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”

Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.

Dangote as well emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

The foremost industrialist and philanthropist noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

He said: “Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders.

“We must build and industrialise our own economies.

“Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.”

Dangote stated: “My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.

“Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation.”

He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.

Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.

He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.

Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.

“These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.

“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.

In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon. He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks.

Dangote stressed that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law, and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

Gbenga Kayode | ����

Nigerians living in South Africa (SA) have raised fresh concerns over renewed xenophobic threats, following intense hostilities from the so-called “Operation Dudula”, an anti-migrant group accused of targeting foreigners in the Southern African country.

���� reports community leaders have urged the Nigerian Government for urgent diplomatic intervention, based on latest reports of racist attacks, harassment, and restrictions purportedly spearheaded by the disruptive group.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa 

In a widely circulated video, a leader of “Operation Dudula” was ordering non-South Africans to leave a public hospital, a report said.

The gang leader reportedly said: “If you know yourself that you are not a South African, please stand up. Stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody.”

The said video, which showed foreigners being marched out of the facility, has sparked outrage and heightened fears of another wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Report also indicated that Operation Dudula, reportedly founded as “a grassroots movement” now claims to be tackling illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the perceived loss of jobs and services to “undocumented migrants” in the Southern African country.

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However, human rights groups have since accused the gang members of engaging in vigilantism, blocking hospitals, inspecting businesses, and harassing innocent immigrants.

Expert: Continued harassment may damage ties between Nigeria, SA

Commenting on the disturbing diplomatic issues with immigrants in South African, Goodluck Emmanuel, an Abuja-based international relations expert, who echoed these concerns, noted that unchecked harassment could damage ties between Africa’s two largest economies.

Emmanuel reportedly said: “What we are witnessing is not just harassment of migrants, but a direct threat to bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

“When Nigerians are marched out of hospitals or denied access to basic services, it sends a message that South Africa is unable or unwilling to protect foreign nationals on its soil.”

The expert also opined that xenophobic flare-ups have previously provoked retaliatory actions in Nigeria, threatening trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between the two African economies.

Diplomacy must be proactive, not reactive, says Emmanuel

He averred: “Diplomacy must be proactive, not reactive and if Abuja and Pretoria fail to act swiftly, these tensions could escalate into another cycle of violence with far-reaching consequences for regional stability.”

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In response to the flare-ups against foreigners, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, through Kimiebi Ebienfa, has confirmed that African ambassadors in South Africa are already in talks with the government to address the crisis, report said.

Ebienfa noted the “Group of African Ambassadors in South Africa are engaging the South African Government.”

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as well described the hospital incident as isolated, but confirmed that investigations are ongoing, according to report.

Balogun stated: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassadors in South Africa are investigating the matter.”

Isola Moses | ����

As the country expands capacity building efforts to combat increasing security challenges, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) invites suitably qualified Nigerians to enroll for Helicopter training at the Nigerian Air Force International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), located in Enugu, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.

��ñ���� reports Ehimen Ejodame, Nigerian Air Force Spokesman, who stated this at the weekend in a statement via his verified social media account, urged the prospective participants to “take to the skies with the Nigerian Air Force International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), a pioneering institution dedicated to producing world-class helicopter pilots.”

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The NAF Spokesman described the IHFS as a distinguished school that “delivers comprehensive training programmes for both Military and civilian students, equipping them with the expertise and confidence required to excel in the aviation sector.”

He also said the training school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, highly experienced instructors, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Ejodame assured the Nigerian Air Force International Helicopter Flying School “stands at the forefront of aviation training, shaping the future of airpower in Africa and beyond.”

Alexander Davis | ����

Operatives of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforced Agency (NDLEA) have arrested certain Gupta Ravi Kumar, an Indian businessman, and three other Nigerian accomplices.

Kumar’s local accomplices the NDLEA operatives also nabbed include Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode and Bakare Korede Muheebb

The anti-narcotics regulatory agency said it arrested the drug suspects in connection with the seizure of 2,248,000 pills of tramadol 200mg/225mg.

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Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, in Abuja, FCT, who disclosed this development in a statement issued Sunday, September 14, said the operatives intercepted the prohibited items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Ikeja, Lagos.

Babafemi also noted in Anambra State, a couple: Nzube Onyedika, 41, and Ebele Onyedika, 42, were arrested during a raid at Obosi where 13.9kg Methamphetamine and 5.3kg skunk were recovered from them.

The statement also noted the tramadol shipment worth N3.99billion was imported from Delhi, in India.

However, the drug was disguised as multi-vitamins in 114 cartons and arrived at the import shed of the Lagos airport on an Ethiopian Airline flight September 8 this year.

Babafemi explained that a team of the agency’s officers, who had put the consignment under surveillance, swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers who were trying to take the shipment from the airport in two trucks last Thursday.

A follow-up the next day led to the arrest of Kumar, he stated.

The agency further said at the Terminal 2 Departure gate of the airport, operatives the previous Sunday also had arrested a passenger, Onyeganochi Stanley Ifeanyi, who was on a Qatar Airline flight to Doha.

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The NDLEA Director of Media and Publicity said a search of Ifeanyi’s bag led to the recovery of 900grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis concealed in crayfish.

He noted: “As a first-time traveller, Onyeganochi claimed the bag was given to him to help take to Doha by a Qatar-based Nigerian Ohadiegwu Anthony Uchenna who actually followed him to the airport.

The suspect’s confession led to the arrest of Uchenna.

Operatives who later searched Uchenna’s hotel room in Ajao Estate discovered additional 200grams of the same psychoactive substance. He claimed he was to return to Doha days later and pick the bag from Onyeganochi if he had succeeded in escaping security checks.

The statement further noted, at the Tin Can Port in Lagos, a total of 161 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 81.7kg and 1.2kg hashish oil were recovered from a 40-ft container of vehicle spare parts and used vehicles imported from Montreal Canada during an examination of the shipment on September 9.

Two suspects: John Ochigbo, 53, and Okeke Kingsley, 26, have been taken into custody in connection with the seizure, among several others around the country.

Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDLEA, expressed his appreciation to the officers.

Babafemi stated Marwa enjoined them, and their colleagues to continue with the ongoing offensives against the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.

Isola Moses | ����

Sequel to untold strike-induced disruption in healthcare delivery in several parts of the country, the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended their two-day-old nationwide strike.

��ñ���� reports the leadership of NARD has directed the Association’s members to resume work immediately.

The affected Resident Doctors, Friday, September 12, 2025, had commenced a nationwide strike after the expiration of a earlier 10-day ultimatum, which NARD had given the authorities since September 10.

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It was gathered that the Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment ask well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare met with the leadership of NARD at the weekend to communicate the government’s decision to this effect.

Suspension of strike a sign of goodwill to Nigerians, says NARD President

Speaking on the development, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, in a text message Sunday, September 14 to the media, confirmed the suspension of the Association’s industrial action.

Dr. Osundara disclosed the NARD decision to suspend the two-day strike resulted from the Federal Government’s commitment to an immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries in the health sector of the economy.

Expatiating on the outcome of NARD’s engagement with the government, Osundara reportedly said: “Our strike has been suspended, doctors are to resume work today.

“Some of our demands have been met. One of them is the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues.”

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Osundara also stated: “We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities”.

The President of the Association as well disclosed the other outstanding demands that are not of immediate attention of the government.

He said these include Unpaid Arrears, Downgrade of Membership certificate, Manpower shortage, Immediate release of corrected circular on remuneration for doctors from NSIWC.

According to him, the Resident Doctors are also demanding settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlog demands for members.

Gbenga Kayode | ����

Following a 2024 midair door plug blowout, and hundreds of other quality-control failures linked to 737 production line, the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed over $3.1 million in fines against Boeing.

The US aviation regulators have cited hundreds of safety violations in its 737 aircraft production lines, accusing the leading aircraft manufacturer of pressuring its own safety inspectors.

��ñ���� learnt the American country’s FAA, in penalty letters issued last week, affirmed said the company’s violations occurred between September 2023 and February 2024.

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The Boeing 737 passenger family has multiple models, including the original 737-100/200, the Classic series (737-300/400/500), the Next-Generation (NG) series (737-600/700/800/900/900ER), and the latest 737 MAX series (737 MAX 7, 8, 9, 10). However, the passenger capacity varies significantly by model and airline configuration, ranging from around 85 to over 230 passengers.

The US aviation regulators stated those included actions linked to the January 5 midair door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, agency report said.

The FAA further explained that it used the “maximum civil penalty” allowed under the US Federal law.

According to the FAA, inspectors had found widespread failures in Boeing’s quality system at its 737 factory in Renton, Washington, as well as at Spirit AeroSystems’ subcontractor facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Boeing presented two planes for certification that were not airworthy, and failed to follow required quality-control procedures, the FAA revealed.

The aviation sector regulatory agency as well uncovered that a Boeing employee pressured a company safety representative to sign off on a 737 Max aircraft even though the inspector believed it did not meet Federal standards in the US.

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According to FAA, such interference in regulatory affairs was a violation of rules meant to ensure inspectors remain independent from company production pressures in the country.

Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s allegations, and the proposed $3.1 million fines.

What it means for travellers

As regards the regulatory safety oversight, the FAA’s findings suggest ongoing problems with Boeing’s 737 production, an aircraft flown by major United States’ carriers.

Regulators say they are increasing scrutiny of the company, report noted.

In terms of the passenger impact, the proposed fines don’t immediately affect flight schedules, but repeated safety concerns have led to more inspections and occasional flight cancellations while planes are checked across the industry.

Meanwhile, report indicates that Boeing could contest the fines, negotiate a settlement, or accept the penalties from the FAA.

The company is already under pressure from airlines, regulators, and the US Congress to overhaul its safety culture in recent times, according to report.

Isola Moses | ����

A fresh study links high artificial sweetener consumption to faster cognitive decline, especially in younger adults and those with diabetes.

���� gathered the extensive Brazilian study suggested the high intake of certain sugar substitutes might speed up memory and thinking decline in consumers.

Researchers found that people who consumed the most artificial sweeteners experienced faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

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Several consumers reach for diet sodas, flavoured waters, or low-calorie desserts believing they’re a healthier choice than sugary options.

However, a new study recently published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, hinted that some sugar substitutes might come with hidden risks — particularly for brain health.

Researchers in Brazil tracked over 12,700 adults for nearly a decade to see how consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners might affect memory, language, and overall thinking abilities.

The experts discovered that people who consumed the most sweeteners experienced faster declines in these skills, raising questions about the long-term effects of artificial sugar alternatives.

Study author Claudia Kimie Suemoto, M.D., Ph.D., in a statement, said: “Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar.

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“However, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time.”

The study included adults with an average age of 52, who were tracked for about eight years.

At the beginning, participants filled out detailed food and drink questionnaires, reporting what they consumed over the prior year.

Subsequently, researchers looked specifically at seven common artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.

These sweeteners are often found in diet drinks, energy drinks, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts.

Based on intake, participants were divided into three groups.

The lowest group consumed around 20 milligrams of sweeteners per day, while the highest consumed about 191 milligrams daily — the equivalent of roughly one can of diet soda for aspartame.

In order to measure changes over time, participants completed cognitive tests at the start, middle, and end of the study, said the researchers.

The tests assessed memory, word recall, processing speed, and verbal fluency. The experts then, adjusted for other health factors, such as age, sex, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Based on their findings, the researchers revealed the people who consumed the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners showed a decline in overall thinking and memory that was 62 percent faster than those who consumed the least.

This was found to be equivalent to about 1.6 years of additional brain aging.

Those in the middle group also saw declines, though less steep.

The report said the link was most noticeable in adults under 60 and in those with diabetes, who are more likely to rely on sugar substitutes.

Interestingly, one sweetener — tagatose — was not associated with cognitive decline, the study noted.

Further highlighting the findings, Dr. Suemoto, the study author, said: “While we found links to cognitive decline for middle-aged people both with and without diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to use artificial sweeteners as sugar substitutes.

“More research is needed to confirm our findings, and to investigate if other refined sugar alternatives, such as applesauce, honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, may be effective alternatives.”

Alexander Davis | ����

Dr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD),  has described the court verdict that sentenced Mahmud Usman, Ansaru Commander, to 15 years’ imprisonment as a major victory in the war against illegal mining in Nigeria.

���� reports Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, FCT, Thursday, September 11, 2025, and found Usman guilty, remanding the accused in prison to face 31 other charges.

Commending the Nigerian Judiciary for supporting the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling illegal mining in the economy, Dr. Alake said the verdict had finally established that bandits have engaged in illegal mining to fund their equally illicit operations across the country.

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Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Sunday, September 14 stated the Minister also said: “It is gratifying for me that the Judiciary is aligned with the Ministry’s objective of zero tolerance for illegal mining.

“Further tightening of the noose around illegalities in mining continues as more drastic measures will be announced shortly.”

Alake disclosed his Ministry should monitor the proceedings of the remaining 31 cases of terrorism against the Ansaru commanders.

He further stated that regulators of the mining sector have a lot to learn from these cases to improve capacity to counter illegal mining in Nigeria.

Alake also applauded the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) for the yeoman’s job of monitoring, detecting, and arresting terrorists to face the wrath of the law.

He assured: “We shall increase inter-agency collaboration to raise the tempo of surveillance to rid our communities of illegal mining perpetrated by bandits.”

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The statement as well noted the movement, translated as the Vanguard for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa, the Ansaru group is facing court charges for attacking the Nigerian Army Wawa Cantonment and raiding Kuje Prisons, Abuja, in 2022, among other terrorist activities.

It is recalled the Minister for Solid Minerals Development established the Mining Marshals, in 2024, to combat illegal mining and improve the security of the sector.

Isola Moses | ����

Sequel to the release of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the airline’s incident at the Port-Harcourt International Airport, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified the circumstances surrounding its decision to clear the co-pilot of Air Peace.

���� reports the NSIB report on the pilots reportedly indicted the co-pilot alongside his other colleagues for involvement with hard drugs and alcohol during the flight.

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Reacting to the accusation of conflicting regulatory affairs of NCAA and NSIB regarding the same incident, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, in a statement via a verified X account  at the weekend, emphasised that the aviation regulatory body followed due process based on the available facts and internal investigations.

Achimugu said both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the airline’s co-pilot.

He also noted this underlined the regulatory Authority’s reason for the co-pilot’s clearance and return to work.

It is recalled that an Air Peace aircraft had a runway excursion Sunday, June 13, after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

The affected aircraft the airline had veered off the runway without any damage.

The NSIB report of an investigation into the incident revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.

The report apparently indicted the crew members, including the pilot and co-pilot concerned after a medical test of their bloodstream.

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Reacting to the indicting report of the incident, the Management of Air Peace, however, picked holes in indictment and denied the allegations of hard drugs and alcohol on the crew members during the flight.

Further on NCAA’s rationale for clearing the co-pilot to resume flying,

Achimugu stressed that the aviation regulatory body followed due process in view of available facts and internal investigations.

NSIB report didn’t indict Air Peace’s co-pilot, says Achimugu

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection further averred that both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the co-pilot, underlining the reason for his clearance and return to work.

The durability of the NCAA rules is occasionally tested by real-life incidents, stated Achimugu.

He equally said that was why the extant rules are subjected to reviews consistently.

He further stated: “I learnt yesterday (Friday), that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer.

“But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable.”

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated: “In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed.

“Given that, we believe it is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year while an investigation is ongoing, if there is no evidence of wrongdoing.”

In regard to Air Peace’s internal measures related to such incidents, he explained that “airlines are allowed to have internal policies and mechanisms on certain issues, and they are required to submit compliance reports to the authority.

“However, as is the case globally, no matter how sound regulations may appear on paper, their true strength is only revealed when tested by real-life incidents.

“That is why regulations remain subject to review and updates.”

Director: NCAA Chief will address matter

Achimugu, therefore, assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, would address the matter, as he is already conducting investigations into the incident.

According to him, the NCAA followed internationally recognised procedures for post-incident assessments, including the use of NCAA-approved testing centres.

He, however, acknowledged that some questions remained unanswered, particularly on the side of the NSIB, which is the statutory body responsible for conducting accident and incident investigations in the country.

“I have reached out to the NSIB and spoken to their team, but I’m still waiting for comprehensive feedback.

“I flagged certain inconsistencies that I believe require urgent clarification.

“My DG has just returned to the country, and is expected to speak to the matter formally tonight,” Achimugu stated.