*You overstepped your authority, stakeholders blast Keyamo
By Suleiman Amagbor, Lagos
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo on Wednesday directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the operations of the Nigerian leading domestic operator Dana Airlines over an incident involving one of its aircraft on the runway of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos on Tuesday.
The directive was conveyed to the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo via a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Emmanuel Meribole to suspend the operations of the airline over the excursion of its aircraft Dana Air’s flight 9J0352 with registration 5N-BKI, on the runway 18L/36R of Murtala Muhammed Airport.
While the NCAA carried out the Minister’s directive, stakeholders condemned the overbearing interference of Mr Keyamo in what they described as purely regulatory matters.
The formal directive was marked (PS/FMA/MA/S121/Vol.1/99) which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, in which it explained that the Minister’s attention has been drawn to recent incidents involving Dana airline affirming the issues has raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.
The NCAA swiftly carried out the suspension order via a letter NCAA/DGCA/DANA/1/24/001 addressed to the Accountable Manager, Dana Airlines Limited, where it informed the airline of the minister’s grave concerns. Mr. Keyamo’s directive stated that “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 travellers, 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.”
It said “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.”
“Your dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is deeply appreciated and please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s best wishes.”
Also, the NCAA’s suspension notice stated that “As à precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with effect from 24th April, 2024 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit.
“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of your organization, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.”
The Acting DG, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo who signed the document explained that “While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an in-house compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving DANA Air aircraft.”
He said “This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers.”
Industry experts however disagreed with the Minister’s order as they said it violated the independence of the regulatory system and processes of the sector.
They expressed fears that the action could have negative impact on the industry as send the wrong messages to the International community and global regulatory bodies.
A former Airport Commandant of the Murtala Muhammad Airport and security consultant, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) explained that “That is not the job of a Minister. What it means is that there is no confidence in the NCAA and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). He has taken over the job of the agencies. These are the things that are wrong, and the world is looking at us.
Ojikutu said “He doesn’t have the authority. How can he suspend the operations of the airline? Is the report out? Has he read the report? The International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, is watching and the International Air Transport Association, IATA, is watching.”
He further said that “this minister is climbing the Aviation Tree beyond its top leaves. Let those who are close to him tell him that he has no such powers and the International aviation community particularly ICAO is watching us and in particular the NCAA.
“I said earlier that he has taken over not only as the Minister but more as the CEO of all the agencies. The reports of the responsible agencies are yet to be out and he has already found the airline negligent, how? He has made both the NCAA and NISB irrelevant. This is another Institutional Corruption brewing out from the aviation Industry.”
A member of the Aviation Round Table Safety Initiatives, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo added his voice noting that: “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.”
