The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, has ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to suspend Dana Air over safety concerns.
This was as the airline suffered a runway excursion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday.
Following the incident, the minister of aviation in a letter signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, to the NCAA, yesterday, ordered an immediate suspension of the airline until comprehensive audits on its fleet were conducted.
According to the letter, recent incidents involving Dana Air had raised concerns about the safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.
Meribole who stated that the audit must include safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial health, said the decision to suspend the airline was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
The statement read: “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airline have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.
“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.
”This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations.
“The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
”I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process.”
Reacting to the development, experts have expressed concerns while criticizing the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace’s decision to suspend the airline, questioning the limits of the minister’s authority.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu, retd, said: “That is not the job of a minister. What it means is that there is no confidence in the NCAA and the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB.
”He has taken over the job of the agencies. These are the things that are wrong, and the world is looking at us. He doesn’t have the authority. How can he suspend? Is the report out?
”Has he read the report? The International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, is watching and International Air Transport Association, IATA, is watching.”
A member of Aviation Roundtable, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, on his part, said: “This is gross interference. This is a man who, from the day he came in, promised not to interfere with safety, and this is a safety related issue.
”This is not right. It is the same mistake he made with the airport marketing. That should come from the NCAA, not him. It is playing to the gallery.”
However, Dana Air is said to remain on suspension until comprehensive audits on its fleet were conducted.
