In Abuja on Thursday during an investigative hearing, the House of Representatives has made a commitment to recover two Bell helicopters, namely Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, which were originally owned by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, but were sold to individuals.
Expressing his concerns, Ademorin Kuye, the Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Public Assets, highlighted the issue of the college being left without a helicopter for training due to the sale of the two helicopters to private individuals.
During the hearing, questions were raised about the sale process of the helicopters as various security agencies, such as the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and the Police, had shown interest in purchasing them, but were ultimately denied by the NCAT management.
Acting Rector of NCAT, Mr. Shaka Imalighwe, stated that he was not directly involved in the sale process of the helicopters as he assumed the role after their sale. Despite appeals made to the NCAT for documents regarding the sale process, the required information has yet to be provided.
Imalighwe mentioned that the helicopters were operational and under proper maintenance by aviation bodies when they were sold. Presently, the institution lacks any helicopters for training purposes.
The lawmakers criticized the use of an unlicensed auctioneer for the helicopter sales and have summoned the former and current Minister of Aviation, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, as well as past and present Rectors of the College to appear at the next investigative hearing.
(NAN)