Aviation college auctions two helicopters for N1.2bn

Aviation college auctions two helicopters for N1.2bn

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State, has auctioned two helicopters at $556,200,322 (N1.2bn).

The Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Capt. Alkali Modibbo, told newsmen on Sunday in Zaria that the two Bell 206B – III model helicopters were disposed of due to underutilisation.

Modibbo said a Federal Government licenced auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, was appointed to sell the two helicopters sequel to the approval and valuation reports obtained from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works, respectively.

According to him, the auctioneer paid $275,782,661.25 and $280,417,661.25 (totalling N1.2bn) vide FGN Remita receipts bearing reference numbers 3008-4333-3046 and 1008-4304-1098, accordingly.

He recalled that the Nigerian Navy expressed interest to acquire the two helicopters via a letter dated 13th December 2022, with Ref. No: NHQ:04/61/93/OPS/VOL. VII/23.

“I am directed to convey the compliments of the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Rector and Staff of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and to further Express our interest to inspect the 2 Bell 206L – 3 (Long Range) helicopters proposed to be disposed of by your organisation.

“The Nigerian Navy is aware that the 2 Bell 206L – 3 helicopters are currently grossly underutilised due to no training of helicopter pilots at the facility.

“I am to respectfully inform the Rector that the NN operates a similar type of helicopter and hereby expresses its interest to inspect the helicopters for possible acquisition with a view to bolstering its operations towards ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment,” the letter read in part.

Furthermore, the NCAT chief executive said that the Federal Ministry of Aviation in a letter dated March 15, 2023, granted approval for the disposal of the two Bell 206 helicopters to enable the college to acquire Basic Trainer Helicopters.

Again, in furtherance of following due process, the college obtained the Valuation Reports of the affected helicopters from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing via a letter dated 30th March 2023.

This culminated in the engagement of Messrs Tresmo as the auctioneer vide NCAT.11/1204/VOL.1/043, dated 6th April 2023, Modibbo stated.