Northern elders caution against relocation of firefighting equipment

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concern over the purported planned relocation of critical firefighting simulation equipment from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos.

The NEF in a statement by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesman, said the relocation of the firefighting simulator from NCAT is particularly troubling given the institution’s long-standing history and pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

NEF said, “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.” However, in a swift reaction, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Sunday debunked the allegations, saying the report was false, unfounded, and pure mischief.

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The minister in a statement through his media aide, Tunde Moshood, said the House of Representatives 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 the speaker that there was no iota of truth in the rumour.

Daily Trust reports that the federal government in 2019 acquired the N5bn automatic aircraft firefighting simulator for NCAT. The simulator, the first of its kind in Africa, was acquired from Messrs Alpine Metal Tech.