Group seeks rejigging of civil aviation legislation

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) wants the Civil Aviation Act amended to provide for engagement by local and foreign airlines, the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The association’s president, Isaac Balami, yesterday noted yesterday in Abuja that the Act does not have any provision that guarantees the engagement of Nigerian pilots by foreign airlines as obtains in other countries of the world.

He said he amendment, as being proposed by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, would give indigenous pilots and engineers a sense of belonging in the industry.

“The Nigerian pilots are not engaged by foreign airlines because there is no policy that mandates them like any other countries around the world.

“For example, if you go to a country like Kenya as an aircraft pilot or aircraft engineer, they won’t give you visa for more than three months to work there.

“If you must get an extension, you must justify why you want to work in their country for more than three months because for them, it is about technology transfer and creating jobs for their own people.

“The Aviation Act has to be amended and until that is done, there is no provision for Nigerian pilots and engineers and that is just the truth,’’ Balami said.