The Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ART) has faulted the suspension of Dana Airlines operations by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of ASRTI, Olumide Ohunayo, on Thursday in Lagos, the suspension is a sign of interference with the autonomy of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and it is not a welcome development.
He expressed his disappointment in the directive by Keyamo, to shut down operations, stating that it is unlawful.
Ohunayo added that suspending the airline could be a disastrous decision as it could destroy confidence in the industry by the global community and the principles of an autonomous industry regulator and, in turn, pose a threat to the safety and security of the sector generally.
“The suspension of the entire operations of Dana Airlines, directed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, indicates a return to the ugly past that destroys confidence in the industry among the global community.
“ART condemns the external interference demonstrated by the minister’s directive, which serves to erode institutional autonomy and jeopardise safety in the aviation sector,” the statement reads in part.
He further maintained that the conduct of financial audits of airlines lies exclusively with the NCAA and the decisions on what are appropriate sanctions for violations also lie with the NCAA; therefore, the Ministry of Aviation is wrong to meddle in its affairs.
He called for an immediate lifting of the suspension of the entire operation of Dana Airlines and demanded that an apology be made by the entire aviation community for the actions of the minister and the ministry.
