CHUKS OKOH
Two pilots (Pilot in- command and co- pilot) that operated the Bombadier challenger aircraft that landed on the concrete road in Asaba will not fly in the country’s airspace over their non compliance to flight rules
The director general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) Capt Chris Najomo, who disclosed this while delivering his speech at the Airport Business and Expo Summit 2026 at the nigav event centre said, the pilot and co pilot on board violated the country’s Aviations rules and regulations during the flight to Asaba in Delta state.
The First Officer has also been suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Najomo also stated that the aircraft involved has been grounded and its Permit to Fly (PNCF) suspended.
He explained that although the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) handled the initial safety investigation, the regulatory aspect of the case has now been handed over to the NCAA, which is conducting its own independent probe.
He also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has joined the investigation.
The NCAA Boss, a pilot with more than 45 years of flying experience, described the incident as highly unusual, saying he could not comprehend how an aircraft could mistake a road for a runway.
He stressed that the authority would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the occurrence before taking final regulatory action.
On the Airport Business Summit, Captain Najomo praised the gathering as a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He assured operators that the NCAA would carefully examine concerns over monopoly and anti-competitive practices, reiterating the regulator’s commitment to promoting fair competition, ensuring airlines remain commercially viable, protecting passengers’ interests, and preventing excessive charges across the industry.
