In a resolute stance, the House of Representatives has pledged to retrieve two Bell Helicopters, specifically identified as Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061-L4, which were sold to private entities, depriving the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, of crucial training assets.
During an investigative hearing held in Abuja on Thursday, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, Chair of the House of Reps Committee on Public Assets, voiced the House’s determination to rectify the sale of the helicopters, expressing concern over the ramifications of the college being left without helicopters for training purposes.
Questions were raised by the committee regarding the sale process, particularly concerning the interest expressed by various security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and Police, to acquire the helicopters. Despite these expressions of interest, NCAT’s management reportedly rebuffed the security agencies’ attempts to purchase the helicopters.
Mr. Shaka Imalighwe, Acting Rector of NCAT, clarified his position, stating that he assumed the role of Deputy Rector at the time of the helicopters’ sale and was not involved in the sales committee. He further informed the committee of his recent appointment as Acting Rector since January 2024.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with NCAT’s failure to provide requested documents related to the sale process, including approvals from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Ministry of Aviation, as well as public advertisements regarding the intention to sell the helicopters.
Imalighwe defended the condition of the helicopters, stating they were operational and under proper aviation maintenance before being sold. However, he confirmed the absence of any helicopters within the institution for training purposes.
The committee criticized NCAT for engaging an unlicensed auctioneer for the sale and directed the former and current Ministers of Aviation, as well as other relevant ministries and individuals, to appear in the next investigative hearing. This includes summonses for the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and both past and present Rectors of NCAT, among others.