Capt Jibrin
Aviation sector practitioner Capt. Bala Jibrin has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting several infractions and breaches in the aviation sector under the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
According to Capt. Jibrin, the Minister’s actions have undermined the government and caused harm to the people.
One major issue he raised is the proposed balkanization of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, a premier aviation training institution established by an Act of Parliament in 1964.
He argues that splitting the college into six geopolitical zones is ill-motivated and a politically wrong decision.
Jibrin emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the six schools that make up the college, including the Flying School, Air Traffic Control School, Engineering School, Aeronautical Communication School, Aviation Management School, and Emergency and Safety School.
He also criticizes the Minister for granting approval for the establishment of a new airstrip at a church premises along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, warning that such can create a disaster in the waiting, given the proximity to existing airports and the overlap of airport traffic areas.
He expresses concern about the safety and security implications of having an airstrip in the hands of non-state actors, particularly with the current security challenges in the country.
Furthermore, Capt. Jibrin raises alarm over the appointment of eleven directors of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), all of whom are from one faith.
He argues that this breaches the principles of morality, sensibility, and sensitivity, and therefore contravenes the provisions of the Federal Character Commission Act.
Jibrin further questions the Minister’s actions, stating that the NCAA is the heart and soul of the aviation sector and that such appointments should be based on merit and diversity.
The aviation expert also mentions the list of eighteen training coordinators, which comprises seventeen Christians and one Muslim, and notes that training of staff is a top priority in the NCAA’s annual budget.
He expresses disappointment that the Minister has not adhered to the principles of fairness and equity in his appointments.
The aviation practitioner said he concludes by submitting his concerns to the President, hoping that he would take urgent action to address the issues.
He emphasizes that his letter is not personal but rather a duty-bound expression of truth to power, given his over 45 years of experience in the aviation sector.
Capt. Jibrin then urges the President to rescind the decision on the balkanization of NCAT, cancel the approval for the new airstrip, and review the appointments to the NCAA to ensure fairness and diversity.
