Aviation Group Slams Keyamo For Dana Airlines Suspension

Aviation group criticized Keyamo for directing the Dana airlines suspension, citing “external interference” in NCAA autonomy.

They condemned the action, urging respect for regulator autonomy and a focus on policy issues benefiting the airline industry.

ART demanded an apology and immediate lifting of the suspension while the NCAA conducts investigations.

The Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ART) has rebuked Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for what they label as “external interference” in the autonomy of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

VerseNews reports that in a statement released on Thursday by the group’s General Secretary, Olumide Ohunayo, ART expressed dismay over the minister’s involvement in the suspension of Dana Airlines, asserting that it undermines the independence of the regulator.

ART emphasized, “The suspension of the entire operations of Dana Airlines directed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development runs against these principles and indicates a return to the ugly past that destroys confidence in the industry and by the global community on the principles of an autonomous industry regulator, representing a threat to safety, security in the sector generally.”

The group condemned the minister’s directive, asserting that it erodes institutional autonomy and jeopardizes safety in the aviation sector, reiterating its commitment to the non-negotiable autonomy of the NCAA as stated in Section 4 (3) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act.

Keyamo’s directive to suspend Dana Airlines came on Wednesday, citing safety and financial concerns following recent events involving the carrier, a move swiftly enforced by NCAA Director General Chris Najomo.

ART emphasized, “The conduct of financial audits of airlines lies exclusively with the NCAA. The decisions on what are appropriate sanctions for violations also lie with the NCAA exclusively.”

The group called for the immediate lifting of the suspension and demanded an apology to the aviation community, urging the minister to focus on policies that positively impact the industry while allowing agencies to carry out their statutory obligations without interference.