The Nigerian Federal Government is considering seizing and selling the assets of Dana Air to refund passengers and travel agents who have not received their funds following the suspension of the airline’s operations. According to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will investigate why the airline has not refunded the trapped funds.
The Minister made this announcement during the Ministry’s fourth quarter stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, which focused on enhancing governance for effective service delivery in the aviation sector. Keyamo explained that the NCAA suspended Dana Air’s operations due to concerns over safety, stating that it was a choice between safety and disaster.
The Minister emphasized that the priority was safety, and the decision to suspend the airline was based on damning reports about its safety record and lack of standards. Keyamo has directed the NCAA to probe the matter and find a solution to refund the affected passengers and agents. One possible solution being considered is the sale of Dana Air’s assets to recover the debts owed to passengers and agents.
The Minister also warned that if the individuals or entities involved in Dana Air attempt to re-enter the aviation sector, they will be required to settle their debts first. The NCAA has been tasked with exploring options to recover the funds, including going after the airline’s assets. This move aims to ensure that those owed money are refunded and that the airline is held accountable for its actions.
The suspension of Dana Air’s operations has significant implications for the aviation sector in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to standards. The Federal Government’s decision to consider seizing and selling the airline’s assets demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights of passengers and agents. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
