A commitment has been made by the House of Representatives to reclaim two helicopters, Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, that were previously owned by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State but were sold to individuals.
During an investigative session in Abuja on Thursday, Ademorin Kuye, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, declared the House’s determination to restore these helicopters to the college’s possession.
Kuye raised concerns regarding the sale of the helicopters to private buyers, leaving the college without helicopters for training purposes.
Questions were raised by the committee about the procedure followed in the sale of the helicopters, especially since security agencies such as the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and police had shown interest in purchasing them.
Despite the interest expressed by security agencies, the management of the NCAT declined their requests.
Various submissions indicated that the three security agencies not only expressed their interest in writing but also visited the college, yet were denied the opportunity to make a purchase.
Mr. Shaka Imalighwe, the acting Rector of NCAT, clarified that he was not involved in the sales process of the helicopters during his tenure as Deputy Rector at the time of the transaction.
Imalighwe assumed the role of acting Rector in January 2024.
The committee highlighted that despite requests for specific documentation regarding the sale process in May 2023, the NCAT has not provided the necessary information.
These documents include approvals from the Federal Executive Council and the Ministry of Aviation, as well as newspaper advertisements announcing the intent to sell the helicopters.
Imalighwe informed the committee that the helicopters were operational and maintained by relevant aviation authorities before being sold.
Furthermore, the acting Rector confirmed to the lawmakers that currently, there are no helicopters available at the college for training purposes.
Lawmakers criticized the use of an unlicensed auctioneer by NCAT for selling the helicopters.
An order was issued by the committee for both the former and current Ministers of Aviation to appear at the upcoming investigative hearing.
Additionally, the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), former and current rectors of the college, and others have been summoned to attend the hearing.