We bought N225m bulletproof cars for operations - NCAA

Director-General of  the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, on Friday defended the purchase of two BMW 760 armoured cars, saying the vehicles are for operational use.

He denied media reports that the vehicles were acquired for the minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Uduah.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on the controversy that has trailed the purchase of the vehicles, NCAA said due process was followed in the acquisition of the vehicles. He put the cost at N255, 150, 000.

He said: “This press conference isto throw more light on emerging media reports on the circumstances surrounding the procurement of Two BMW 760 Li Armoured Series cars for the NCAA.

“The cars are operational vehicles used in the varied operations of the NCAA. Transporting the minister and aviation-related foreign dignitaries is part of this operation.

“We make haste to state that aviation is a global industry and the NCAA, the regulator of the industry in Nigeria very often plays host to dignitaries from international civil aviation bodies like, ICAO, IATA, US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), among others.

“It is internationally customary to convey our minister and these visiting foreign dignitaries in security vehicles whenever they are in Nigeria.

“It must be noted that during such visitations, the security of members of the delegation is the sole responsibility of the host country,” he said.

According to him, the vehicles in question are in the pool of the NCAA for these special assignments and available at NCAA office.

Akinkuotu, further noted that the vehicles were budgeted for and that all necessary procurement and due process was followed.

He added that this was not the first time the agency had procured high security vehicles for aforementioned purposes.

He confirmed that vehicles were purchased from Coscharis Motors, the only dealer of such vehicles in Nigeria.
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