BY
OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s aviation sector is closing a turbulent chapter on a note of reconciliation and reform as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced acts of clemency and a bold plan to strengthen security culture across the nation’s airports.
After two days of intensive consultations with stakeholders, Keyamo confirmed that the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson over her unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight has been withdrawn.
Moved by her expression of remorse, the Minister persuaded the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift her lifetime flying ban.
Police authorities have begun the process to secure her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.
In another high-profile case, Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) will have his flight ban reduced to one month, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) set to drop its criminal complaint.
In a constructive twist, FAAN will partner with the music star to promote public awareness on airport security protocol.
Two ValueJet pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, will also see their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional re-appraisal.
To prevent future flare-ups, Keyamo has ordered a sector-wide retraining retreat starting next week for aviation security personnel, with a parallel review of airline staff–passenger relations. The press will have full access to the sessions.
“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
“I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations.
The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.
“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies” Keyamo stated.
