Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has directed an immediate investigation into the use of an unauthorised equipment by Aero Contractors Airlines at the conclusion of a charter flight to Bauchi on Saturday morning.

Several reports received by the Honourable Minister have indicated the airline used a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737 aircraft at the Bauchi Airport yesterday.

According to the Minister, the act is inconsistent with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).

“The investigation will determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to developing and implementing measures that will prevent a reoccurrence of the unsafe and unacceptable procedure that exposed passengers to high risk of serious injury,” the ministry’s Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, James Odaudu, said this evening in a statement.

He quoted the minister as reiterating that if the airline is found culpable, the full weight of sanctions within extant laws and regulations would be applied on it.

“The Honourable Minister assures the traveling public that the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will ensure strict adherence to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations as well as ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices by all operators,” the statement said.

“Sirika further states that the ministry will not shriek in its responsibility to ensure a safe and secure air transport services which he views as sacrosanct,” it added.

•Photo shows Sirika.