‘Azikel Flight Permit Not Suspended By NCAA’

The management of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Limited has faulted the listing of the company among the 10 aircraft operators suspended for violating the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) regulations by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

A statement, signed yesterday by Austin Ebipade, Azikel’s communication officer, said the PNCF issued to Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd. remains valid until 2026, adding that the company has not committed any infractions or violated the PNCF regulations.

The statement also said  Azikel abided by the regulations of the NCAA 2023, part 18, 3, 4, which forbids PNCF holders from using aircraft to carriage passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward.

“The Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd is not in any commercial or charter operation. The fleet of aircraft is solely for the business and private travel of the Owner/President of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, his family and executives of the company”, the statement added.

According to him, the company’s management and staff woke up to the shocking news that she was listed among firms whose PNCF had been suspended. He stressed that “the NCAA, without notice or invitation for any interaction or representation, has caused Azikel Dredging serious embarrassment before the public.”

“The executives of Azikel Dredging Nig Ltd sort for explanation and the NCAA said it convey a general announcement requesting PNCF holders to visit their office for re-evaluation on social media and other news outlets few months back without writing to respective PNCF holders, which the Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd did not receive any official communication or aware of such an announcement.

“Azikel Dredging is not satisfied with this medium of communication of such an important invitation which will ultimately result in an embarrassing press release by NCAA. In the past, all official dealings with the NCAA have been very proper. The NCAA notice to operators has been through official letters or by registered email, which was not used in this case, and that explained why the Azikel Dredging wasn’t aware of any announcement for the re-evaluation of PNCF holders.

“Azikel Dredging Nig Ltd wish to inform the general public that it has further reached out to the NCAA and issues have been resolved; and Azikel Dredging is in operations of her PNCF privileges while stating in clear terms that the Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd is not engaged in any illegal operations or infractions as holders of PNCF. Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd is not an airline firm but a reputable company with over 16 years in dredging, reclamation, sand filling and shoreline protection services.

“Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd has had significant success in all her operations and called on the general public to disregard the misinformation while assuring her continued professionalism and good reputation in the discharge of her services,” he said.