NCAA probes unregistered handling coy over unauthorised operation

An aviation handling company, Menzies, yesterday carried out ground handling services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos without authorization, it was learnt.

The development is generating misgivings in the sector as some security officials at the airport say the development was a breach of security.

Daily Trust’s investigation revealed that the ground handling company, headquartered in Dublin, Scotland with its African base in Accra, Ghana, carried out ground handling service for Air Cote d’Ivoire at Lagos Airport which arrived from Abidjan.

The company reportedly used the license of Precision Aviation Handling Company Ltd (PAHCOL), which was issued certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) some years ago but had not commenced services.

Also, it was learnt that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) did not give the company apron pass but that it used Arik’s equipment to get to the apron area to operate.

Daily Trust reports that though Arik has the license to carry out ground handling services, it cannot carry out such services through third party airlines except for its aircraft.

Spokesman of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, confirmed the development to Daily Trust, saying the authority was informed that the ground handling company carried out unauthorized operation and that investigation has commenced.