Reps. To Investigate Purchase Of Armoured Cars

The House of Representatives has mandated its committee on aviation to investigate the controversy surrounding the purchase of two exotic armoured vehicles by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which are said to be for the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah. This resolution followed a debate on a motion of urgent national importance by the minority whip Samson Osagie who brought up the matter during plenary. The lawmaker said given the poverty in the land, it was unpatriotic for an agency of government to incur such expenditure for the comfort and safety of one public officer.
Members of the committee of aviation speaking during the debate said the committee had not approved that expenditure in the agency's budget. Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu reacted to media reports on the circumstances surrounding the procurement of two BMW 760 LI armoured series cars by the agency after the purchase of the armoured vehicles began generating so many reactions from groups and Nigerians alike. The NCAA D.G. stated that the cars are operational vehicles used in the varied operations of the NCAA including transporting the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and aviation-related foreign dignitaries. He also said the purchase of the two cars which cost N255m followed due process and the NCAA remains focused on enforcing standards and promoting safety in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).