NCAA Suspends Private Jet's License after Ibadan Airport Mishap

The incident, which occurred with 10 persons on board, prompted the immediate deployment of firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to the scene.

In a statement, the NCAA declared the suspension of the license with immediate effect, pending the outcome of investigations into the runway overshoot. The Challenger CL 601 aircraft, registered as N580KR and operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, was en route from Abuja to Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan when the incident took place at 11 a.m.

The regulatory body has announced its intention to carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria, underscoring its commitment to upholding the highest standards in the aviation sector.

The ownership of numerous private jets, associated with both serving and non-serving governors as well as National Assembly members throughout the country, is currently under scrutiny. These private jet owners have been accused of violating economic and safety regulations set by the regulator.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, issued a statement revealing that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been enlisted to conduct a thorough investigation into the Ibadan Airport incident. While the NSIB is handling the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the aircraft’s operation, focusing specifically on the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its documents.

“In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has also suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.

“The suspension, NCAA said will subsist until a determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.

“NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

“NCAA however assured the traveling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.”

In a press conference last week, the acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo said that all private jet owners operating commercial services risk losing their licenses for non-compliance.