According to Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Government will conduct a comprehensive audit of all local airlines in the country.
Keyamo made this announcement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, stating that the audit aims to ensure the safety of passengers and the health of the civil aviation industry.
The decision comes in the wake of the suspension of Dana Airlines and an ongoing audit of the airline. Keyamo, who assumed office last August, has faced criticism for what some civil aviation watchdogs describe as “external interference” in the autonomy of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Keyamo issued the directive to suspend Dana Airlines after recent safety concerns and financial viability issues arose. The airline was instructed to remain suspended until a comprehensive audit was conducted. NCAA Director General Chris Najomo immediately enforced this directive.
Dana Air was suspended within 24 hours after one of its planes skidded off the runway at Lagos Airport.
Stakeholders have criticized the minister for directing the NCAA to suspend an airline and urged the minister to respect the regulator’s autonomy.