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Documents show Olateru resigned as Director in Omni-Blu, NCAA DG dismisses conflict of interest allegation

The Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Musa Nuhu has debunked reports that the aviation regulatory body suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process of Omni-Blu Aviation because of alleged involvement of the Director-General of Nigeria Investigation Safety Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru in the shareholding of the airline.

Nuhu, while fielding questions from journalists at the retirement and book launch of a former spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye on Saturday, clarified that there was no conflict between him and the DG of NSIB, hinting that Omni-Blu was just asked to clarify that Olateru is no longer a director in the company just to eliminate conflict of interest which had been done.

NCAA

“It is unfortunate that it is coined that NCAA has suspended the AOC processes of Omni-Blu Aviation. One of the directors of Omni-Blu who is DG NSIB, Engr. Akin Olateru, a very close colleague and a friend of mine is a shareholder in Ombi-Blu and this was something he had before he came to the public service. Just because you came to public service does not mean you should wipe off your previous years.”


“There was just a question from NCAA that it appears there was a conflict between this application and the Act of NSIB and NCAA. So, they were asked to respond and they responded.

“He has provided all the documents, he has shown proof he has resigned and he has declared his interest in those organisations. So, he has provided the appropriate documentation to show that there is no conflict of interest.”

“He has given the necessary documents required, but we have to take it through the normal procedures, and legal process so that when documentation is done that he has been cleared, somebody tomorrow will not go and challenge it.”

It is important to go through the process of clearing him so that the records are put there. Anybody that comes in the future, can look at the file, and see that the issue was raised, but the appropriate information had been provided and the individual is cleared.”

Nuhu disclosed that the verification exercise would hopefully be done this week, explaining that it would have been done but in the absence of the NCAA’s Legal Adviser who travelled with him.

He said the authority would work on it and the AOC process would continue.

Just last week reports filled the air that the NCAA had suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) processes for Omn-Blu Aviation (OBA), which would enable it to operate as a scheduled operator.

Ombi-Blu currently operates as a chartered helicopter and jet company.

A letter to the Managing Director, OBA, with the reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/LRO/OBA/VOL I/O3323, from NCAA, dated October 3, 2023, and obtained by Nairametrics, indicated that the apex aviation regulatory body suspended the certification due to “conflict of interest.”

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