The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed five oil marketing companies to stop 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.

The five firms listed in the NCAA circular are; Ascon Oil, Acorn Petroleum, Jushad Oil and Gas, Lubcon and Star Orient Aviation.

The regulatory body has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deny the companies access to airports in the country until further notice, demanding strict compliance with the directive.

This comes barely four months after the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) wrote to the NCAA that contaminated aviation fuel bought by foreign airlines flying into Nigeria, was found to have damaged their aircraft engines.