News
NCAA Clarifies U.S. Delisting of Nigerian Airlines, Cites Lack of Direct Flights
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has responded to recent reports regarding the removal of Nigerian airlines from the list of those authorised to operate flights to the United States. This clarification was made in a statement by the NCAA’s Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, on Monday.
The delisting of Nigerian airlines, including notable carriers like Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, which had plans to fly routes to Washington and Houston, Texas, has caused significant concern.
The restriction came as a result of the loss of Nigeria’s Category One status certification, which is essential for airlines to maintain direct operations to the U.S.
However, Capt. Najomo provided clarity on the situation, explaining that the decision to delist Nigerian airlines was not linked to any safety or security deficiencies in the country’s aviation oversight system.
Instead, the delisting occurred because Nigerian airlines had not operated direct flights to the U.S. for two consecutive years leading up to September 2022.
“No Nigerian operator has provided service into the United States using a Nigerian-registered aircraft for two years before September 2022,” Najomo stated.
“As a result, it was expected that Nigeria would be removed from the list, just as other nations in similar situations were. The NCAA had been duly informed of this action back in 2022.”
Najomo further emphasised that Nigeria had undergone thorough safety and security audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
These audits found no Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) or Significant Security Concerns (SSeC), confirming that Nigeria’s aviation sector met international standards in these areas.
The acting director’s statement aims to address concerns and reassure the public that the delisting is purely an administrative consequence of airlines’ lack of recent operations to the U.S., rather than any fault or shortcoming in Nigeria’s aviation safety and security protocols.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi are reportedly in talks to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Adebayo revealed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he shared that discussions are ongoing through close associates of both Atiku and Obi. He mentioned that the SDP is open to welcoming them into the fold.
He added that the party had recently admitted a former governor from Kaduna State, who is also a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a shift in the political landscape. Adebayo emphasized that the SDP is experiencing growth as more individuals join, but there is a need for a cultural shift in politics, particularly regarding internal rules and procedures.
When asked directly about Obi’s potential move to the SDP, Adebayo confirmed that while talks are taking place, nothing is official until a formal announcement is made. He mentioned that he had received updates from party officials, including the Financial Secretary, about the ongoing discussions.
Adebayo also stressed that the SDP would only accept politicians who align with the party’s values and adhere to its democratic processes. “If they are willing to follow our transparent and credible internal processes, we can work together to offer Nigerians a real alternative,” he added.
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani declines invitation to judge the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant.
It was reported that the position of a judge was offered to Shehu Sani by Ben Murray Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group. However, Sani rejected the offer to judge the event.
Ben Bruce takes to social media to invite the former senator to be present at the event and sit as a judge.
Shebu Sani then responded by stating “You should have send me a formal letter and with full benefits attached to it after I have passed the Judgment. I appreciate the honour from a good friend. Unfortunately, I’ll be unavailable on that day. I wish you a successful outing.”
Nigerian Comedian, Mr Macaroni expresses dissatisfaction with the Governor of Lagos State over traffic issues.
It can be reported that Lagos has been suffering through a serious traffic phase. The reason behind this was revealed to be the Independence Bridge repairs.
Governor Sanwo Olu then pleaded with Lagosians to bear with the traffic as the repair is necessary. “Let’s think outside the box. If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the next 2 to 3 weeks, conduct your business online and plan ahead.”
However, Mr Macaroni reacts to the Governor’s plea by stating “If the government had any regard whatsoever for the people of Lagos, these measures and more extensive ones would have been taken before yesterday to make this process as painless as possible for the people.”
He lamented on the serious effect that this traffic has taken on people’s day to day life and shared that the government didn’t consider its people.
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