By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

LAGOS—Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, yesterday, said that the regulatory authority will fine any foreign registered privately operated aircraft the sum of N200 million for falling to regularise their documentation in conformity with the agency’s regulations.

Capt. Usman, who gave the warning, said the authority was ready to commence the regime of stipulated sanctions on the erring operators.

According to him, “The sanctions will include grounding of operations, revocation of license and outright seizure of aircraft forthwith. The use of these operators’ aircraft for commercial operations is at variance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation, Nig.CARs 9.1.1.4[a][b] which is tantamount to gross violation.

“All private operators that have been issued with NCAA’s Flight Operations Clearance Certificate, FOCC and Maintenance Clearance Certificate, MCC, in line with Nig.CARs 8.2.1.9, are by these certification authorised to operate within Nigeria strictly for private operation only and not for hire and reward.”

Captain Usman added that on the strength of the above provision, he was prepared to revoke the operating license of any identified defaulting private operator.

It will be recalled that a committee was earlier set up by the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka to take a holistic appraisal of their operations. The committee has since submitted its report.

“Part of the recommendations of the committee, is the revocation of a defaulting operator’s license and have his aircraft impounded immediately. Thereafter, a mandatory payment of $100,000 fine will be required to secure the release of the aircraft.”

The DG has by the fresh directive, provided a window of opportunity for all foreign registered privately operated aircraft owners to regularise their documentation.

This will enable them operate a legitimate commercial operation in line with the Authority’s regulation if they so desire.