INDUSTRY players speaking at the 2022 Nigerian Aviation Forum, NAF have agreed on employment of the right personnel, strict corporate governance, technology as some ways to combat fraud and corruption in the aviation sector.
The online conference organized by the 7Star Global Institute of Management Science and Technology admitted that fraud is a big issue in the aviation industry and designated it a top priority for organizations across the world.
Convener of NAF Engineer Isaac Balami said:“Some airlines might be callous and financially pushed not to look at the safety part of maintenance, to detect this, a good inspector could go through the book and detect fraudulent activities. If an airline is losing money, it’s not a regulator’s problem but it’s a problem when safety measures aren’t carried out. The control has to start from the top.â€
Mr. Sukh Mann who spoke on the right management and personnel offered an advise to airlines,“Airlines need to employ the right management, the right audit processes in place, imbibe accountability and a self-worthy program, set a guideline for the program which internal and external auditors use.’
Also, Dr. Alex Nwuba who was also part of the conference said: “The biggest issue airlines are facing is corporate governance [multiple owners]. Companies need to understand how to regulate themselves beyond the NCAA. They also need to know what is called conduct of business and get advice from the right people but most individual don’t like to seek advice from people’.
Corporate managements can find solutions by providing the tools employees would use in carrying out a task. It was also agreed that independence from the board to the management and management reporting to the board is key. So that before matters get to the board, there should be management check and audit processes within organizations.
They all agreed that with the availability of modern fraud detection technology, airlines now stand a chance to fight against those bent on circumventing the system for personal gain.