Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the controversial landing of a private aircraft on a road under construction near Asaba, Delta State, with the flight crew now in the custody of security agencies.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the incident as a serious violation of aviation and security regulations, stressing that authorities would determine the full circumstances surrounding the flight.
The aircraft reportedly attempted to land at the Asaba Airport at about 7:43 a.m. on Wednesday but was unable to access the runway before making a safe landing on a concrete roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area.
Keyamo expressed relief that no casualties were recorded but raised concerns over the aircraft’s subsequent departure from the location.
“It has further been established that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft was already airborne, implying that the flight departed without the necessary operational clearance,” the minister said.
He described the development as “a serious breach of aviation regulations and security protocols,” adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had commenced a comprehensive review of the incident.
Earlier, the NCAA announced that the aircraft had been grounded upon its arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of investigations. The regulator also suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight.
According to the minister, the NCAA is working with the aircraft operator, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and other stakeholders to review operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records linked to the aircraft.
Keyamo also disclosed that security agencies had taken custody of the crew members, who are assisting investigators.
“The Honourable Minister has been in contact with the relevant security agencies and has received assurances that the flight crew are currently in their custody and is fully cooperating with ongoing investigations,” the statement said.
He assured Nigerians that the probe would be transparent and warned that any violations uncovered would attract appropriate sanctions, insisting that no operator would be allowed to bypass procedures designed to protect lives and preserve the integrity of the country’s airspace.
