The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasized that the recent spate of air accidents in Nigeria cannot be attributed to natural disasters but instead points to a failure in regulatory oversight.
Keyamo made these remarks during an ongoing technical meeting held with key aviation authorities in Abuja on Monday evening.
This crucial meeting was organized by the Aviation Minister in response to the alarming number of accidents within the aviation industry.
Recognizing the concerns raised by Nigerians, Keyamo emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and expressed the view that incidents occurring within airports are not acts of God but rather failures of regulation.
Keyamo stated, “If an incident happens anywhere in our airports that is not an act of God, then there is a failure of regulation somewhere.”
He further cited examples such as burst tires on aircraft and inadequate runway conditions, stressing that these incidents require accountability.
According to him, responsible individuals or entities, including those in charge of tire inspections and dispatching aircraft, must be held accountable when safety protocols are not followed.
Acknowledging the need for action, Keyamo convened this meeting to review the recent incidents and gather technical reports on each occurrence.
Pending the receipt of these reports, he stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Nigerian lives.
The minister’s strong stance on regulatory failures signals the government’s commitment to improving safety standards within the aviation industry.
By addressing concerns, conducting thorough investigations, and holding individuals accountable, the aim is to prevent future accidents and safeguard the lives of travelers.
Moving forward, it is expected that the discussions and conclusions drawn from this meeting will lay the groundwork for implementing more stringent safety protocols, enhancing regulatory oversight, and improving the overall safety record of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
