The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has sanctioned four operators, both scheduled and chartered, for various degrees of violations. It did not name the errant airlines.

The regulator said in a statement that it had taken action after an impromptu audit showed various shortcomings including failure to implement mandatory training programmes for maintenance personnel, irregularities concerning helicopter flight identification, deliberate violation of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR), performing maintenance programmes without necessary approval, and using outdated manuals.

The four operators were then fined between NGN1.5-2 million naira (USD4,115 to 5,486). The operator found to have deliberately violated NCARs had its Air Operator Certificate [AOC] suspended for 180 days.

“NCAA wishes to reassure all stakeholders that it will continue to ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed. The Authority expects strict compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in the future and violations will be viewed seriously," the statement added.