NCAA DG claims he is in custody of Aviation Minister’s BMWs
dismissed unconfirmed media reports that two BMW
security cars which were bought by the agency were
missing.
This was disclosed
by the Director General of the agency
Capt. Fola Akinkuotu while briefing newsmen over media
reports concerning the controversial purchase of the two
vehicles.
He further disclosed that purchase of the cars were provided
for in the 2013 Budget of the aviation industry regulatory
body.
According to him: "The cars are operational vehicles used in
the varied operations of the NCAA. Transporting the
Minister and aviation-related foreign dignitaries is part of
this operation ."
He continued: "…We make haste to state that aviation is a
global industry and the NCAA which is the regulator of the
industry in Nigeria very often plays host to dignitaries from
international civil aviation bodies like International Civil
Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Air Travellers
Association (IATA), United States Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), African Airlines Association (AFRAA),
The Bangui Accord Group (BAG), Civil Aviation Navigations
Organisations (CANSO), Airport Council International (ACI)
amongst several others"
He further stated that it was internationally customary to
convey our minister and these visiting foreign dignitaries in
security vehicles whenever they are in Nigeria.
Said he: "It must be noted that during such visitations, the
security of members of the delegation is the sole
responsibility of the host country.
"The vehicles are therefore in the pool of the NCAA for
these special assigments and are available at NCAA office
and can be shown to you" he said.
He further stated that this was not the first time that the
agency had procured for the afore-mentioned purposes
adding that all necessary procurement and due process was
followed.
Capt. Akinkuotu condemned the clandestine manner in
which information concerning the transaction was obtained
by online media groups and some mainstream media
organisations.
Commenting on the cost of both cars which stood at N255
million, the NCAA DG explained that this may have been
due to the fact that Coscharis which supplied both cars is the
sole dealer of the automobile brand in Nigeria.
Source:vanguard
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