Demuren’s Sack: Stakeholders Foresee Dark Days In Aviation Sector

Stakeholders in the aviation industry have started reacting to the sack of the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with many of them stating that his removal might mark a dark period for the aviation industry. Some of those who talked described the removal of the DG as unfortunate.

This is based on general perception among stakeholders that the industry did well during Demuren’s term in office.

The achievements recorded in the industry during Demuren’s tenure include the nation’s aviation industry passing the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Safety Audit and the Category One certification by the United States Federal Aviation Administration among others.

Speaking on the issue, Assistant General Secretary of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur described his sack as unfortunate.

According to him, President Jonathan only gave in to the pressure from the Senators and members of the House of Representatives just to keep his government going.

“Demuren served the aviation industry well and brought it to where it is today. We know how the industry was before when we used touchlight at the tarmac during the maintenance of an aircraft, Demuren came and changed all that, he did well and we are going to miss him’’

Also, Chairman Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) FAAN Branch, Comrade Ekanem Ekanem said that the decision of the government was unfortunate adding that the move might plunge the aviation industry into darkness.

‘‘If the Director General of NCAA is sacked, it means that the aviation industry has been thrown into darkness’’ he stressed.

Chairman of Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, who also described Demuren’s sack as unfortunate, said that the sacked DG helped in sustaining the sector, adding that there was no air crash for about five years during his time, stressing that it was a notable feat recorded during his tenure.

‘‘Why do Nigerians take delights in killing their own heroes, I believe that it is a very bad thing that the government has done’’ he said.

Meanwhile the industry is speculating on who becomes the next director general of the regulatory authority following the exit of Demuren.

There are speculations that the mantle might fall on the Director of Airworthiness Standard of the agency, Engineer Emmanuel Osifo.

The ministry of aviation has yet to name the acting director general pending the appointment of a new DG.

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