The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated the committees on Aviation and Commerce to carry out critical audit of all registered aircraft in the country.

The audit according to resolution of the House was to ascertain the airworthiness of the aircrafts, compliance with applicable operational methods, set safety standards and procedures as well as evaluate the operational environment of the aviation subsector with a view to enhancing improved operational standards as well as convenience of users.

The House resolution followed a motion sponsored by Honourable Abubakar Amuda-Kannike entitled, “Need to establish the technical and operational status of Nigerian registered commercial/private aircrafts to boost the safety, protection and confidence of passengers flying the Nigerian airspace”.

The lawmaker in his motion noted: “Compliance with safety standards in the Aviation subsector is sacrosanct, given its sensitivity as well as extremely low tolerance for margins of errors.”

He noted that “aviation safety measures are rather proactive measures to mitigate against air mishaps as well as to enhance smooth operations and comfort of passengers.”

While calling for the probe, he said that recent incidents in the aviation subsector are indicative that a holistic review and assessment of the level of compliance and adherence to safety standards are necessary.

Towards this end, he said: “Ideally there must be periodic aircraft maintenance which includes overhaul, repair, inspection, or modification of an aircraft or aircraft component and maintenance which incorporates such tasks as ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives.”

Speaking further, Hon. Amuda-Kannike said that “the National regulations which are coordinated under international standards maintained by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

“There exists a high degree of complicity between airline operators in Nigeria and the regulatory bodies charged with the safety of our airspace and passengers; particularly, the Directorate of Quality Assurance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as well as the Accident Investigation Bureau; which has compromised the safety standards of our aviation sector

“Non-compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements exposes consumers and equipment to high level risks, potential dangers and discomfort, which can easily be averted by carrying out appropriate due diligence periodically.”

The motion was passed when the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Lasun Yusuf, who presided over the plenary session, put the motion to voice vote.

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