The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has denounced the decision of United Nigeria Airlines to continue flights despite the ongoing strike action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) union.
In a memo dated April 24, 2024, United Nigeria Airlines claimed to have measures in place to ensure flight safety and service continuity, a move that NAFSA has described as reckless and a blatant disregard for safety regulations.
According to NAFSA’s National President, Comrade Sunday Ugbeikwu, in a statement, United Nigeria Airlines’ actions are a clear violation of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations and a prioritization of profits over safety.
“How can you fly when NiMet is on strike? It means you have violated the NCAA regulations,” he stated.
NAFSA has called on the NCAA to take urgent action against United Nigeria Airlines, citing concerns that the airline’s actions could lead to a national disaster.
The association’s leadership emphasized that safety should always be the topmost priority in the aviation industry, and any compromise on safety principles is unacceptable.
Comrade Ugbeikwu advised all airlines to prioritize safety and adhere to regulations, warning that any negligence of safety principles could lead to disastrous consequences.
While NAFSA did not embark on a solidarity strike due to the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the association made it clear that it will not condone reckless behavior by airlines that jeopardize the safety of passengers and crew.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in Nigeria, with NAFSA urging airlines to prioritize safety above all else to prevent a repeat of past crashes.
The association’s stance, NAFSA says, indicates the importance of stringent safety measures in the aviation industry and the need for regulatory bodies to enforce these measures to prevent potential disasters.
