As the aviation sector in Nigeria and the entire country await the results of the current investigations into the recent incidents involving two airlines skidding off Lagos airport’s domestic runway 18Left, various stakeholders have been raising concerns and questions about the possible reasons behind these events.
On April 23, 2024, a Dana Air MD-82 with 83 passengers veered off the local airport runway and got stuck on the grassy area, followed by an XeJet Airlines Embraer 145 with 53 passengers also skidding off the same runway eighteen days later.
The relevant aviation authorities, such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have initiated inquiries into these incidents. Concerned parties within the aviation sector have begun expressing reactions, with many questioning the safety conditions of not only the Lagos airport runway but also other airport runways nationwide.
A retired principal aviation security officer, Mr. Babson Akinola, suggested that the incidents, as well as previous ones, might have occurred either due to the runway surface being too smooth for the aircraft tires to grip properly upon landing or because the tires were worn out and lacking adequate tread, causing them to lose their grip.
He emphasized the importance of having experienced professionals in key positions within the aviation sector to ensure positive growth in the country’s GDP, pointing out the need for appointing knowledgeable aviators over individuals without relevant expertise.
Similarly, a former military commandant, Group Captain John Ojikutu, highlighted maintenance issues not only at Lagos Airport but also at other airports under the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. He called for regular maintenance of safety components to prevent recurrent incidents and urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to review its auditing processes for airport runways.
The ongoing challenges in the aviation sector, according to Ojikutu, include the need for certified agents to handle runway maintenance tasks and sufficient skilled manpower to conduct thorough oversight of various aviation operators and services.
In conclusion, he stressed the significance of adequate supervision and periodic audits to ensure the safety and efficiency of airport operations, highlighting gaps that need to be addressed by regulatory bodies like the NCAA.
From: Amadi Vincent
