June 06, (THEWILL) – The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Musa Nuhu, has advised that, for Nigeria to benefit fully from the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, the country has to build strong airlines.
Speaking at the presentation of Air Transport Licence (ATL) to interim management of Nigeria Air on Monday in Abuja, Capt Nuhu said that ATL was a prerequisite for the airline to acquire Air Operation Certificate (AOC) to start operating.
According to him, the NCAA works and supports all operators currently existing and aspiring in the industry to get necessary documents after meeting all the requirements.
He said, “this ATL has gone through all the processes. So, at this point in time, I would like to do the presentation. We look forward to the fulfilment of the AOC process so that we can hand over the AOC certificate to you.
Informing that the regulator works with the operators, he emphasised that “As a regulator, we work with operators. That is a goal to promote the growth of the industry. It is important to have strong airlines in Nigeria in view of the Single African Air Transport Market.”
“Also, in view of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which can make a significant contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy“, he said.
Nuhu said Nigeria stood to get the best from the AU Agenda 2063 Air programme being one of the largest markets in Africa.
He said participating in the Single Africa Air Transport Market as a nation would increase Gross Domestic Products (GDPs).
Responding, the Acting Chief Executive Nigeria Air, Mr Dapo Olumide, thanked the NCAA for the good job executed, leading to the present ATL to Nigeria Air.
Olumide said the team would definitely double efforts in order to fulfil all necessary processes to receive AOC certificate from NCAA to start flying.
“We already have aircraft identified because that is one of the requirements for the NCAA. We are waiting for the terms of agreement with the Provider of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
“What we need now is to go through stages to get an AOC certificate from the NCAA. No magic in the process. It is not something that can be issued because they like your face.
“When you have an AOC and ATL, you can commence commercial scheduled operations. The date to start operation is largely based on the process one is following to get the AOC certificate”, Olumide said.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
