The African Writers Centre (AWC) has accused the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, Anambra State, Martins Emeka Nwafor of overriding aviation safety protocols and engaging in conduct that could have endangered passengers’ lives.

According to the AWC, 30 litres of unfrozen palm wine, in three 10-litre rubber gallons, were allegedly loaded onto the passenger aircraft directly by the airport MD.

The Centre alleged that the development had triggered urgent calls for intervention by the aviation minister, regulatory agencies and the relevant committees of the National Assembly.

It stated that on April 15, a United Nigeria Airlines aircraft with registration: ZS-CMO, arrived at the airport with 56 passengers and was scheduled to later depart with 72 passengers onboard, carrying the unfrozen palm wine.

The Centre alleged that the regulatory authorities at the airport, including officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on ground had raised objections, citing aviation safety concerns, but were reportedly overruled by the MD, who allegedly became very personal about loading the potentially explosive liquor.

He was alleged to have physically confronted and assaulted some of the officials who resisted the move.

A video clip made available to our correspondent showed him denying hitting the FAAN officer, who alleged that the MD had “judoed” him. The voice, said to be that of the MD, stated that he was only restraining and preventing the officer from videoing him.

“Safety concerns over the potential explosive liquid should be clearly known to the MD, as an experienced aviation executive who had represented Nigeria at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As a result, it was troubling that he allegedly opted to act in a manner depicting compromise, which could breach safety and endanger the lives of the passengers,” the Centre stated.

According to aviation experts, unfrozen palm wine, particularly when stored in non-pressure-resistant containers, such as rubber gallons, poses a significant safety risk in flight conditions.

“The liquid is known to ferment rapidly, generating gas that can lead to container swelling, leakage or rupture under cabin or cargo hold pressures.

“This has led to its classification in many aviation circles as a restricted or high-risk organic liquid, as it could generate gas rapidly and may cause explosions. “Standard aviation safety guidelines indicate that liquids above 100ml are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Additionally, liquids that are unsealed or fermenting are often restricted in checked baggage,” the stated.

Experts equally noted that non-commercial packaging, for example, rubber gallons, is typically disallowed because pressure buildup can result in leakage or rupture during flight. They, therefore, maintained that such materials should never be loaded onto passenger aircraft without proper containment, declaration and clearance, warning that the consequences of a mid-air rupture could be severe.

However, the General Manager, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Michael Achimugu, confirmed that palm wine could only be flown as checked in luggage if frozen and properly packed

Regulatory silence sparks questions as to whether regulatory authorities under the efficient watch of the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, are intentionally overlooking such highly risky human judgment and action that could result in regrettable aviation incidents.

The incident has sparked outrage within aviation circles, with stakeholders questioning whether existing regulations are being selectively enforced. Particular attention has turned to Keyamo, with critics asking whether airport authorities in certain regions are being treated with “kid gloves” despite alleged infractions.

Observers are also calling on the National Assembly Committees on Aviation to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, citing concerns over institutional impunity and disregard for safety protocols.

They warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could erode regulatory authority, compromise passenger safety and damage Nigeria’s aviation reputation internationally. “This is not just about palm wine; it is about command responsibility, regulatory integrity and the sanctity of human lives,” a senior aviation analyst said.

He also called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Ministry of Aviation to launch an investigation into the extent of the breach and overall impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector, and prescribe possible disciplinary or appropriate actions if violations are established.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the airport management regarding the development and attempts to reach the MD and relevant authorities have not been successful. (The Sun)

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