The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to investigate fuel suppliers in the country’s aviation industry following fuel contamination in a Max Air Boeing 737-300 aircraft. The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Musa Nuhu, emphasised the importance of determining the source of fuel contamination to prevent such incidents from recurring and enhance industry air safety.
Nuhu stated that the NCAA issues licences to fuel marketers and warned that the agency would not hesitate to withdraw licences from those found responsible. The incident occurred when the Max Air B737-300 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MHM, experienced fuel contamination in the main fuel tanks, resulting in the shutdown of the Auxiliary Power Unit at Yola Airport on July 7, 2023.
Reports indicated fuel was dumped on the tarmac in Yola, while “multiple drums of water” were collected from both aircraft tanks immediately after landing. The NCAA requires fuel suppliers to conduct a “water check” using specialised strips that change colour upon contact with water.
Nuhu revealed that the airline had purchased fuel at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports before the contaminated fuel was discovered at Yola Airport. The NCAA will conduct a thorough investigation to determine where the airline purchased the contaminated fuel. Nuhu warned that if the fueler is found to be at fault, the regulatory body will take appropriate sanctions.
Furthermore, the NCAA will investigate the fuel procedures of Max Air to determine if they comply with the Standard Operating Procedures. Nuhu emphasised that pilots and airlines are responsible for ensuring the fuel quality provided by oil marketers, as the NCAA cannot oversee operations at all airports nationwide.
Nuhu stated, “Any fuelers we identify as having issues, we will suspend them. We licence them, and we will review all the oil marketers in the Nigerian aviation industry.” He also assured the public that the NCAA will continue to prioritise the safety of flight operations in Nigeria.
Additionally, the NCAA plans to meet with the regulatory body in the oil and gas sector to educate them about the requirements and standards of the aviation industry. The aim is to collaborate, address the issues related to fuel supply, and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
