US begins final audit of Nigeria’s aviation Jan. 14

Shola Adekola, Lagos - 02.01.2008

The much awaited category one status process of the country from the United States will kick off on January 14. The process, which would herald the audit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), would pave way for the NCAA to get the category one status.

The audit, which would last for eight months at the instance of the NCAA, would see the FAA auditing the books of the authority in respect of its safety compliance with international standard.

Following its preparations, the NCAA management has placed its workers on alert, while no one would be allowed to embark on holiday within the festive seasons and even after, except it is necessary.

During the FAA audit, a team from the American FAA is expected to be in the NCAA for the eight months period to examine how the authority carried out its safety functions.

The team would also inspect the three Nigerian carriers namely: Virgin Nigeria, Arik and Bellview airlines, to find out whether they comply with the NCAA guidelines on safety and maintenance.

The success of NCAA at the audit would not only grant Nigerian carriers freedom to operate flights between Nigeria and America unhindered when they meet the standards, it would also promote trade and attract investors into Nigeria while it will also shore up Nigeria's position in global aviation.