The Former Deputy Secretary General of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, who described Thursday’s plane crash as “a very difficult situation,” faulted the individuals, particularly politicians, who spoke against the pilot and crew of the ill-fated flight, adding that “a pilot, a crew (also) have their own family”.
Mr Tukur who opined that the issue can be examined from different perspectives, accused the aviation authority for being overly concerned about making money and as such the airlines and their activities are not properly checked.
Speaking on Sunrise, he said “they are concentrating on making money only; nobody cares about the airline.”
He also revealed that there are unprofessional practices going on in the sector as some airlines have been granted licenses based on their connections with those in influential positions.
He added that the hangers in Nigerian airports are not up to standard as aircrafts are left on the tarmac and exposed to elements, rain and sunshine.
“Something has to be done,” he said, warning that if care is not taken the worst may yet come.
He complained that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority which is “supposed to be a regulatory body” has been divested of some of its core mandates, which includes granting airworthiness licenses.
He alleged that the aviation authority doesn’t 0monitor airlines to ensure their financial capability in maintaining their aircrafts and delivering standard services.
He also alleged that the captain may have been owed several months’ salaries. “If a captain is going to be in the cockpit and is owed a salary of six months… you are not helping anybody.”
