2nd Abuja Airport Runway: “Don’t send Contractors to site without NCAA approval” – Mshelia tells Keyamo

Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Link Airlines, has shared his valuable insights and recommendations regarding the construction of the second runway at the Abuja Airport. In a recent interview with journalists in Lagos, Mshelia underscored the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and standards, emphasizing that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should play a central role in directing the entire construction process.

While expressing his satisfaction with the long-awaited plan to construct a second runway at the Abuja Airport, Mshelia raised concerns about the need for regulatory oversight to ensure that the project aligns with industry standards and safety requirements. He stressed that the location, direction, and design of the new runway are aspects that fall within the purview of the NCAA and should not be solely managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Mshelia stated, “This is a concern for all of us. It has been in the works for a long time, and I think it is necessary. However, the minister must refrain from sending contractors to the site without obtaining the NCAA’s approval. The NCAA should be closely involved in determining the location and direction of the runway. This is squarely within the NCAA’s domain, not FAAN’s.”

He further added, “The NCAA must ensure that any design presented for the project meets safety requirements before contractors are dispatched to the site. Additionally, the minister should heed the advice of the NCAA in all matters. He has already stated that he will no longer award contracts without consulting industry experts, and the NCAA should be given the autonomy to make the right decisions.”

Mshelia also addressed the current state of the aviation industry, highlighting a discrepancy between technical staff and support staff. He pointed out that the aviation industry is ideally structured with 90% technical staff and 10% support staff, but the reverse is the reality today. He emphasized the importance of qualifications and competence for individuals holding positions within the industry to ensure safe and efficient operations.

The issue of flight delays was another topic that Mshelia discussed during the interview. He pointed out that most flight delays are attributed to government and its agencies, rather than the airlines themselves. Mshelia clarified that the responsibility for the installation of navigational equipment at airports and stations across the country lies with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and FAAN, not the airlines.

Mshelia highlighted the challenges associated with navigational aids, particularly the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and approach lighting at many airports. These systems often lack proper calibration and are not suitable for flying purposes, which has led to the downgrading of several airports by the NCAA. Despite advancements in the global aviation industry and the installation of navigational equipment in Nigeria, harmattan conditions continue to disrupt flight services.

Mshelia noted that under normal circumstances, aircraft should be able to land at airports like Lagos in 200 meters of visibility. However, due to the absence of critical equipment and systems, airlines face difficulties in adhering to these standards. He emphasized the importance of aligning airborne equipment with ground equipment, with a particular focus on approach landing systems.

Regarding the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) in use across the country, Mshelia revealed that they are classified as CAT 2, which is a certain level of performance and safety. However, without the corresponding approach lighting system of the same class, provided by FAAN, the NCAA is compelled to downgrade the ILS to a much lower level, resulting in what is known as state minima, which severely limits flight operations.

In summary, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia has raised critical concerns and shared recommendations related to the construction of the second runway at the Abuja Airport, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in ensuring that the project aligns with industry standards and safety requirements. He has also shed light on the challenges faced by airlines, including flight delays, which often result from the inadequate state of navigational equipment and systems at airports across the country. It is evident that addressing these issues is essential to enhance the efficiency and safety of Nigeria’s aviation industry.