The Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ART), a prominent watchdog group, has launched a scathing attack on Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for his recent intervention in the suspension of Dana Airlines. ART accuses Keyamo of “external interference” in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) autonomy, a move they argue undermines safety and industry confidence.
In a statement released Thursday, the group’s General Secretary, Olumide Ohunayo, expressed deep concern over Keyamo’s directive to suspend Dana Airlines. ART argues that the minister overstepped his authority by directly instructing the NCAA, the official regulator of the aviation industry, to take such action.
“The suspension of Dana Airlines by the Ministry of Aviation is a blatant violation of the NCAA’s autonomy,” Ohunayo declared. “This action represents a dangerous return to the past, where political interference eroded trust in the aviation industry and jeopardized safety standards.”
ART emphasizes that financial audits and sanction decisions for airlines are the sole responsibility of the NCAA. They condemn Keyamo’s interference as a threat to the industry’s safety and global reputation.
This controversy comes after Keyamo ordered the immediate suspension of Dana Airlines on Wednesday, citing concerns about the airline’s financial health and safety practices, triggered by a recent runway incident. The NCAA Director General promptly enforced the minister’s directive.
ART demands an immediate reversal of the suspension and a public apology from the Ministry of Aviation for undermining the NCAA’s authority. They urge Keyamo to focus his efforts on policy initiatives that benefit the industry, rather than interfering with the regulatory body’s vital functions.
The group further emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy of all agencies, including the NCAA, to ensure transparency and effective oversight within the aviation sector.
