NCAA had suspended Acorn and four other oil marketing companies from supplying aviation fuel to local and foreign airlines operating in the country.

In a notice to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the NCAA explained that the suspension became necessary due to lack of depot facilities by the oil firms and the inability to verify their integrity and competencies.

But THISDAY gathered that the sanction against Acorn has been lifted via a letter signed on behalf of the Director General of NCAA by the Director of Air-worthiness Standards, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka.

The NCAA’s letter, which was addressed to the Managing Director of Acorn Petroleum Limited, said the suspension was lifted as a result of certification of Acorn's aviation fuel supply facilities by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the NCAA.

“This certification was preceded by verification visits by top officials of the two regulatory agencies. These visits were found satisfactory,” said the letter. The NCAA however advised Acorn to remain in compliance with all regulations that cover the aviation fuel.

The NCAA has directed Jushad Oil and Gas Limited, Lubcon Limited, Ascon Oil Company Limited, Acorn Petroleum Limited and Star Orient Aviation Limited to stop supplying aviation fuel, known as Jet A1 to airlines due to lack of depot facilities, via a circular dated November 9, 2015 and signed by Adeyileka, on behalf of the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman.

The circular, with reference number: NCAA/DAW/AD. 1104/AOL052/VOL.1 was addressed to AON.

It was entitled, “Notice of Suspension of Some Companies from Providing Aviation Fuel Supply Services to Airlines at Airports in Nigeria.’’

The circular said the companies were suspended because they had no depots and therefore should not be engaged in the distribution of aviation fuel at the airports.

“This is to notify you that the authority is in receipt of a letter from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) that the under listed companies have no depot facilities and should not be engaged in aviation fuel distribution at the airport.

“The integrity and competences of these companies cannot be ascertained by the DPR and it is advised that they should be disallowed from further supply of aviation fuel to airlines located in Nigeria,’’ it said.

The circular stated that NCAA had directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to deny the companies access into airports in Nigeria, including their aviation fueling vehicles and personnel till further notice.

“You are hereby required to suspend the fueling of your aircraft by any of these companies until further notice,” NCAA said.