The Federal Government has reacted to reports claiming that a registered Nigerian aircraft has been sold to an Iranian airline.
During an appearance on TVC News, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said that no aircraft registered in Nigeria has been sold.
He dismissed the claim that the aircraft was smuggled out of the country to Iran without the necessary documentation, noting that serious allegations have been made and that the NCAA has initiated investigations into the matter.
Achimugu explained that there are established procedures for the sale of aircraft, which include deregistering the aircraft in Nigeria before it can be moved to the receiving country.
“To the best of our knowledge, no such thing has happened yet. How were these aircraft deregistered before they were sold? We need to investigate. And these investigations are ongoing,” he stated.
He also disclosed that one significant issue under scrutiny is the alleged deactivation of transponders on some aircraft.
The NCAA has contacted the Civil Aviation Authority of Iran for clarification, as the incident reportedly took place outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction, Achimugu added.
No Nigerian registered aircraft sold to Iran – FG
