Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, provided justification for the grounding of Dana Air operations, citing an audit report conducted under his predecessor that flagged the airline’s precarious status.
Keyamo underscored the findings of internal reports dating back two years, which indicated Dana Air’s unsuitability for flight operations. He pointed to a history of recurrent incidents involving the airline, including a notable incident where a door of one of its aircraft opened mid-flight during approach to the runway.
During an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels TV program, Keyamo emphasized the critical responsibility of ensuring passenger safety in the aviation sector. He expressed concern over potential tragic incidents that could endanger the flying public, underscoring the gravity of his role as Minister of Aviation.
The minister highlighted the imperative of regulatory oversight in safeguarding the lives of Nigerian citizens, stressing that any negligence or complicity on the part of regulatory bodies could have dire consequences. Keyamo affirmed his commitment to upholding safety standards and holding accountable those responsible for enforcing aviation regulations.
In response to critics questioning his authority to ground Dana Air, Keyamo reiterated his obligation to supervise regulatory agencies tasked with ensuring compliance within the aviation industry. He asserted his familiarity with relevant laws governing aviation oversight, emphasizing his role in overseeing regulatory functions rather than directly regulating airline operations.
