The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has kicked against an alleged plans 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 the forum’s director of publicity and advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, on Sunday, the forum said the rumoured relocation is particularly troubling given the institution’s long-standing history and pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“The relocation of this critical equipment could have negative implications not only for the institution but also for the broader aviation sector in the country.
“The firefighting simulators at NCAT are crucial in preparing future aviation professionals for potential fire emergencies.
“Relocating these simulators to an undisclosed location could jeopardise the quality of training provided to students at the college and compromise the safety of air travel in Nigeria.
“The plan to move this critical equipment from NCAT to an undisclosed location is not only disruptive but also potentially harmful, and it is crucial for it to be reconsidered.
“The safety and future of the Nigerian aviation industry depend on the proper training and preparation of its professionals, and any decision that undermines this must be met with strong resistance,” NEF said.
However, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, debunked the allegations.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Tunde Moshood, he described the report as false, unfounded, and pure mischief.
Mr Moshood recalled that the Speaker of the House of Representatives already had a private audience with the Minister a few days ago.
According to him, the minister assured the speaker that there was no iota of truth in the rumour.
“The rumour is nothing but pure mischief by agents of destabilisation and is totally untrue.
Whilst we acknowledge the patriotism of the House entertaining the motion, we think it was totally unnecessary since the Speaker already had a private audience with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development few days ago when this issue came up and the Minister assured Mr. Speaker that there was NO IOTA of truth in the rumour.
“The Minister further put a call to the Rector of the school who re-assured Mr. Speaker that it was an unfounded rumour and purely a mischief. So, why the motion?
“We urge the public to disregard any such rumour and it amounts to grandstanding by anyone still trying to make political gains out of nothing”, the statement added.
