The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said on Tuesday that Nigeria does not have any Boeing 737 MAX being used by any Nigerian airline on its roll.
Sirika divulged this in a statement by Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Transportation, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that in contrast to the concern yielded by Ethiopian Airlines’ unfortunate incident on Sunday, there was no cause for concern.
According to the Minister, aviation is one all over the world, and that any accident anywhere is a great loss to the global aviation industry.
“Nigeria commiserates and identifies with the Ethiopian aviation authorities those who have lost loved ones, including two distinguished Nigerians, in their moment of grief.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the industry regulator in Nigeria, has issued the necessary advisory as it relates to the country.
“As we continue to mourn the ET crash in Addis, and pray for the victims, we wish to reassure Nigerians that we do not have any Boeing 737 Max on Nigeria’s register to worry about.
“Civil Aviation Authority has issued the needed advisory, please,” the minister said.
Sirika also reassured Nigerians of the government’s responsibility to creating of an environment that ensures safety and security in air transportation.
The Addis Ababa– Nairobi bound flight piloted with B737 Max8 airplane on Sunday, had crashed shortly after liftoff killing all 159 passengers and crew on board.
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The similar aircraft type being run by Lions Air of Indonesia, has crashed in October 2018 killing all onboard.
Since the accident occurred on Sunday, several issues had been brought up regarding the aircraft with China and Ethiopia suspending making use of B737 Max in their fleets.
Air Peace is the only Nigerian carrier that has placed order for 10 of such aircraft type currently but yet to take delivery of the aircraft.
According to the statement by its spokesperson, Mr Chris Iwarah, Air Peace is yet to take delivery of the aircraft as they are still at the design and configuration stage of the order.
“This clarification has become necessary in view of numerous calls and enquiries on our response to the incidents involving the B737 Max 8 aircraft.
“Although, it is premature to comment on the incidents, we wish to assure members of the flying public that we are closely following and monitoring developments on the issue as an airline that prioritises the safety and well-being of our customers,” he said.
