FirstNation Airline has been slammed a fine of N33.5 million by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged violation of safety regulations.
NCAA ordered the airline to pay N32 million and one of its pilots to pay N1.5 million for flying a FirstNation commercial aircraft with expired and invalid medical certificate.
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The apex regulatory body in a letter to the airline said the implication of an expired or unguaranteed medical certificate is that the pilot’s physical and mental health have not been certified by a recognised doctor, adding that it violated international rules.
General Manager, Public Relations of the NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said the airline ran afoul of the law by allowing a flight crew member to operate 16 scheduled flights on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th November, 2016.
He said: “In light of these, the Airline is hereby sanctioned in accordance with IS 1.3.3 (14) while the pilot suffered similar fate in line with IS 1.3.3(11) (15) (e), in lieu of suspension under IS 1.3.3(11)(15)(a) of the Nig. CARs 2015.
“On this strength, the Airline is required to pay N32 million only while the Pilot will pay N1.5 million only, being moderate civil penalty for the violation. The fine must however be paid within seven (7) days of receipt of the letter from the Authority.”
