The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has issued a directive to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend operations of Dana Airlines pending a comprehensive audit of its financial and safety practices.
This move comes in response to the recent incident involving a Dana Air plane at Lagos airport on April 23, which resulted in flight diversions from local to international airports. The aircraft, registered as 5N BKI, skidded off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In a letter addressed to the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, and delivered by Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Ministry expressed serious safety concerns arising from recent incidents involving Dana Airline.
The letter, with reference number PS/FMA/MA/S.121/Vol. 1/99, titled “Immediate Suspension of Dana Airline Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit,” emphasises the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens and travellers.
The Ministry instructed the NCAA to immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit covering safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health is conducted.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by recent incidents, prompting the Ministry to call for swift and decisive action to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders.
The Ministry expressed confidence in the expertise and diligence of the NCAA in carrying out the audit thoroughly and expeditiously, with a request to keep them informed of progress and significant findings.
This directive reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, with assurances of continued monitoring and oversight.
