Asaba Diversion: Federal Govt Summons All Wet Lease Operators

The federal government has summoned all Wet Lease operators in Nigeria to address their operations in the country.

This followed the diversion of an Abuja-bound plane to Asaba last weekend, which was caused by the United Nigeria Airline wet lease plane operated by foreign pilot and crew members.

Giving the directive on Monday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said: “We have listened to transcript from the plane. It was clear that the pilot was directed to Asaba from Lagos.

“It is a question of a wet lease where the plane pilot and crew are foreigners because they came with the plane. The pilot didn’t know the route.

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“Henceforth, all wet lease coming into Nigeria must have a Nigeria pilot sitting at the cockpit. We have also decided that a wet lease must have Nigerians as cabin crew.”

The minister also said the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is investigating the incident and other recent aviation related incidents and, within 10 days, the NSIB must submit its report.

He also warned that all regulators who fail in their duties must be penalised and have their licences suspended.

On the issue of delayed flights and cancellation, the minister said “we are also looking into delayed and cancelled flights for compensation for Nigerians.”

He further said, “We are reassuring Nigerians that we are taking every step as a ministry to ensure safety of air transport.”