Aviators pushback on moves to undermine NCAA’s autonomy

Dana Air begins refund of fares to customers

In a rare fraternal solidarity, aviation stakeholders are speaking in unison against moves by handlers of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to undermine the statutory powers and autonomy of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

They are reminding the Federal Government, especially the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to abide strictly by the rules of air transport operations and steer clear of meddling in core operational issues that are outside his competence and remit.

The pushback was in the aftermath of the ministry’s directive to the NCAA to temporarily ground operations of Dana Air following a serious incident in Lagos. The Lagos-bound aircraft, with 83 passengers and six crew members onboard, had a runway excursion amid a heavy downpour Tuesday morning.

While the accident investigation is ongoing by the statutory agency, a memo, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Emmanuel Meribole, noted that “as the supervisor overseeing the nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airlines 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 Minister has directed that the NCAA immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.”

Former Deputy Secretary General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, however, cautioned against weakening the NCAA’s autonomy through meddlesomeness.

Tukur likened Keyamo’s action to setbacks in civil aviation during past administrations, emphasising the need to avoid repeating history. He said: “The action of the Minister is like putting our civil aviation on a reverse to the era between the late 80s and the early time of the present democratic dispensation when President Obasanjo for no just course ordered the grounding of the entire Chanchangi fleet over the Bellview crash.”

Tukur stressed the importance of repealing this trend to prevent the NCAA from becoming subordinate to the Ministry of Aviation. He lamented the grounding of DANA, which had recently passed the NCAA’s economic and safety audits. He said: “It’s ironic for Keyamo, who recently complained of high insurance rates and leasing costs faced by the Nigerian operators to come up with such a hammer on DANA, which gives an impression that our CAA lacks independence and oversight capability”.

Tukur urged patience for the investigators’ full report while advocating grounding only the specific aircraft involved until the investigation was complete.
Aviation security expert, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), noted that by the action, the minister has exceeded his limits.

Ojikutu said: “Let those who are close to him tell him that he has no such powers and the international aviation community, particularly the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is watching us and in particular the NCAA.

“I said it 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 NSIB irrelevant,” he said.

Apparently in agreement with Ojikutu, the Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Olumide Ohunayo, described the directive as a “gross interference in safety processes and procedures.” Ohunayo said the ministry has no business with the airlines or ordering the director general of the NCAA, who is supposed to be the most powerful person in the industry and one who leads the industry.

“This is a wrong move and wrong decision. If Dana Air has safety-related issues, the NCAA should tell us. The NCAA is the one that certified these airlines. They should go and examine their books before coming up with the decision on whether to ground it or not. You can’t ground an airline based on the minister’s directive. This is very wrong,” Ohunayo said.

In a related development, embattled Dana Air, following a temporary suspension of its operations, has begun processing Dana Air refunds for affected flights. The airline announced this initiative via its official social media platforms on Wednesday, extending apologies for any inconveniences caused.