Worried about the recent incidence of a safety breach where water was found in the fuel tanks of some aircraft, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has vowed to unravel the root cause.
The NCAA has also announced wide consultation with all relevant stakeholders to identify the gaps, close them, prevent future occurrences, and improve safety in the industry.
The Director General Civil Aviation, Capt. Musa Nuhu disclosed this during a meeting with all Domestic/International Operators, Aviation Fuel Suppliers, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Nuhu in a statement issued Thursday said fuel contamination was outside the purview of the aviation ecosystem, saying that was they are engaging the regulator of the downstream sector.
According to him, We have been in consultation with NMDPRA because they certify all the oil companies in Nigeria.”
Based on the sensitivity of the matter, the director-general noted that the collaboration has become imperative because of the noticed gaps due to lack of deliberate collaboration between NCAA, NMDPRA, and FAAN on fuel quality monitoring.
He further noted that the NCAA, FAAN, NMDPRA, NSIB, airliners, pilots, fuel deport operators, aircraft maintenance officers and other stakeholders will be part of a committee that will be set up to ensure the aviation fuel quality is constant.
He said: “All facets of the aviation fuel ecosystem must be investigated to arrive at the true situation” adding that “the investigation is not necessarily to indict anyone but to strengthen safety in the aviation industry.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed said they are not treating the issue with levity as they have launched an investigation into the matter.
“We are all stakeholders and travelers. We took this incident seriously. I directed my colleagues to trace the root cause so that whatever steps we will take, we will bring stability, confidence and improve the safety level,” he said.
Ahmed noted that while he could vouch for the quality of the Jet A1 fuel that was imported, he can’t account for what happens when the fuel leaves the fuel deport to the fuel bouser before fueling the aircraft.
On his part, the Director General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Director Generaal, Akin Olateru said the issue was grave and must be thoroughly investigated taking into account all possible actors.
He noted that NSIB had in 2017 issued safety recommendations as it concerns aviation fuel following an incident involving Bel 427 of the Nigerian Police at the time.
Olateru tasked the NCAA to step up action, oversight the aviation fuel and ensure it is of top quality.