The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued a stern warning to the administration of President Bola Tinubu amidst claims of a plot to relocate crucial firefighting simulation equipment from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos State.
In a statement released by NEF spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group expressed deep concern over the purported move, highlighting the vital role NCAT plays in shaping Nigeria’s aviation industry. Suleiman emphasized, “The relocation of this critical equipment could have negative implications not only for the institution but also for the broader aviation sector in the country.”
Furthermore, Suleiman stressed the importance of the firefighting simulators at NCAT in preparing future aviation professionals for potential fire emergencies. He warned that relocating these simulators to an undisclosed location could compromise the safety of air travel in Nigeria.
However, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, swiftly refuted these allegations, labeling them as “false, unfounded, and pure mischief.” According to Keyamo’s spokesperson, Tunde Moshood, the Speaker of the House of Representatives had a private discussion with the Minister, during which Keyamo assured him that there was no truth to the rumors.
Moshood reiterated, “The rumour is nothing but pure mischief by agents of destabilization and is totally untrue.” He emphasized that both the Minister and the Rector of NCAT had confirmed the falsity of the allegations, deeming any further discussion on the matter unnecessary.
As tensions rise over the alleged relocation plan, both sides stand firm in their positions, with NEF urging reconsideration and the Minister’s camp dismissing the claims as baseless political maneuvering.
