The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced its opposition to an alleged plan to relocate critical firefighting simulation equipment from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos State. In a statement issued by NEF’s director of publicity and advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum expressed concern over the potential implications of such a move on the aviation industry’s development.
NEF emphasized the importance of NCAT’s firefighting simulators in preparing future aviation professionals for emergencies, highlighting that relocating these simulators could jeopardize the quality of training and compromise air travel safety in Nigeria. The forum called for a reconsideration of the plan, stating that any decision undermining the training and preparation of aviation professionals must be strongly opposed.
In response to these allegations, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, debunked the claims, describing them as false and unfounded. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Tunde Moshood, the Minister clarified that there was no truth to the rumour. Moshood recalled a private audience between the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minister, where the Minister reassured the Speaker of the falsehood of the claims.
Moshood criticized the rumour as a mischievous act by agents of destabilization, emphasizing that the Minister had already confirmed the inaccuracy of the reports. He urged the public to disregard the rumour and viewed the motion as unnecessary grandstanding. The Minister’s statement highlighted the need to focus on factual information rather than political gains.
The conflicting statements between NEF and the Minister of Aviation underscore the importance of accurate information dissemination and the potential consequences of misinformation on critical sectors like aviation. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, ensuring transparency and clarity in decision-making processes remains paramount for its sustainable growth and development.
Daily Nigerian