Ministry Interference Weakening Aviation Regulators’ Independence, Expert Laments

Aviation expert and former Chief Pilot of the defunct ADC Airline, Capt. Mohammed Gbadamasi has cautioned the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development against interfering in regulatory decisions by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Speaking in a chat with LEADERSHIP, Capt. Gbadamasi expressed concern over what he described as the ministry’s undue interference in the NCAA’s functions.

He said the trend had weakened regulatory independence and encouraged indiscipline within the aviation sector.

He argued that many cases that fell squarely within the purview of the NCAA were often hijacked by the ministry, undermining the authority of the regulator.

“The non-application of rules and regulations due to interference by the aviation ministry is responsible for what is happening in the NCAA,” Gbadamasi said. “Most of the time, matters that are to be handled by the regulator are taken over by the ministry as if they were too difficult for them.”

He added that NCAA officials are reluctant to make firm decisions without ministerial approval because of the fear of contradiction and possible dismissal.

“Nobody in the NCAA wants to take the bull by the horns and make a decision without permission from the minister. That fear of being dismissed for contradicting higher authority is part of the problem,” he said.

Capt. Gbadamasi emphasised that the NCAA Director General (DG) remained the sector’s “accountable manager,” and therefore, all regulatory decisions should rest with his office, not the minister’s.

“The minister should know that the DG is the accountable manager, and all issues relating to regulations are domiciled on his table, not the minister’s,” he reiterated.

He further explained that although the government appoints the NCAA DG, the appointment is subject to National Assembly approval, underscoring the need for competence and independence in the selection process.

“Not until fearless people are appointed based on capability, rather than favour, will it take us much longer to get it right,” he said. “The DG position should be based on merit, not political connection.”

Commenting on government involvement in airline operations, Gbadamasi argued that excessive bureaucracy is one reason Nigeria should not have a national carrier.

“Government involvement would only dictate operations through bureaucratic bottlenecks. That’s why a national carrier under direct government control is not sustainable,” he concluded.