By Ime Akpan
The former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bala Ibn Na’Allah has decried the collapse of local airlines and blamed the situation on unfriendly operating environment.
Speaking in an interview recently, Na’Allah who represented Zuru/Fakai/Zakaba/ Dawazagu federal constituency of Kebbi State between 2007 and 2011 said government had not created a conducive environment for the domestic airlines to operate profitably.
The legislator who called on the government to take a critical look at the operations of the airlines said: “Where are Dasab, Sosliso, ADC, Chanchangi and EAS Airlines among the others? They have all gone. The question to ask is: ‘Is the operating environment conducive enough for the survival of these airlines? The answer is NO and that is what we want the government to look at,” he said.
On the ongoing remodeling of airports in the country, Na’Allah said government should have put more effort in the procurement of more safety gadgets for airports in the country.
“That an effort is being made to shift from where we were to a more modernised setting is a commendable. Unfortunately in the process, we have a lot of problems, which is normal.
“However, the priority given to remodelling, ordinarily, if you look at the status of this country, should have been taken elsewhere. For example, Ilorin Airport has one of the worst weather problems with low cloud every morning. If you put an Instrument Landing System (ILS) in that airport, it is better than remodeling. Ibadan is an important alternate airport to Lagos; if you put an ILS there, it is better than remodelling.
Thereafter, Na’Allah alleged that the ministry of aviation was interfering in the oversight functions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
