It was George Orwell in his satirical allegorical novella, ‘Animal Farm’, first published in England on August 17, 1945, that wrote that “all animals are equal but that some are more equal than others”. The novella was a critique of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union under Stalin. The story follows a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer, hoping to create a society where all animals are equal. However, the pigs, being the most intelligent, gradually seize power, becoming as corrupt and oppressive as their former human rulers. The pigs, led by Napoleon, manipulate and exploit the other animals, ultimately creating a totalitarian regime. The novel highlights themes of power, corruption, deception, and the dangers of totalitarianism.

It seems Nigeria has also degenerated to that level, going by what took place in the country few days apart, but with the different treatments given to the issues by those in government.

Our discourse last week was the shameful conduct of Nigerian Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja, where he wanted to stop a plane from taking off without him with his bare hands! Anifowose, also known as KWAM 1, was prevented from boarding a ValueJet flight to Lagos for refusing to comply with a simple aviation rule which prohibits having alcoholic beverages on board. KWAM 1, at the time of boarding, had with him, a gold flask, which the airline crew believed contained alcoholic beverage. When told that he could not board the flight with his flask without the content examined, he became rude and eventually poured the content on the flight Captain and other aviation staff.

When the door of the aircraft was shut on him and preparing for take-off, he stood in front of the aircraft on the tarmac, an action that annoyed the captain, who also taxied the aircraft like a molue – a reckless action that could have been fatal for the musician, who escaped by the whiskers by dodging the wing of the aircraft seconds before impact.

Although, KWAM 1 insisted that he had only water in the flask, he was slammed with a six-month suspension after being placed on a no-fly list by the NCAA. The license of the pilot and her first officer were also suspended, pending full investigation.

However, the noise from the incident was yet to die down when another airline passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, became unruly on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.

Ms. Emmanson alongside other passengers on board the aircraft were told to switch off their phones as the plane was about to take off. But Comfort, from the account of a third-party passenger sitting close to her, informed the air hostess that her phone was already on flight mode and that the button to switch off the phone was no longer working.  It was another passenger sitting beside her that eventually assisted her to switch off the phone. However, Comfort felt disrespected and complained bitterly to other passengers throughout the flight.

Upon landing in Lagos, the same purser prevented her from disembarking from the flight, apparently waiting for security agents to pick her up. Things soon degenerated as video footage of what transpired afterwards has since gone viral.

In the process of arresting Comfort, she was bundled out of the plane like a common criminal and in the process, her top was torn, exposing her private parts. She became unruly and attacked anyone within sight. She was later restrained, taken to court the following day, and thrown into Kirikiri prison by a Magistrate Court.

It was at this stage that many Nigerians lost their cool and took to social media to vent.

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Comfort soon got another name -KWAM 2. The difference in the treatments given to the two cases by those in power infuriated many Nigerians. While KWAM 1, whose action on the tarmac in Abuja amounts to an act of terrorism was at home eating fried rice and chicken, KWAM 2 was languishing in Kirikiri, drinking garri with watery beans.

To add to her punishment, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also banned her from flying both local and international flights for life.

When the noise became unbearable, the federal government was left with no option than to order the immediate release of Comfort after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), human rights groups, and prominent lawyers, including Femi Falana (SAN), took the government to the cleaners.

Festus Keyamo, Aviation Minister, somehow came up with a political solution to the whole crisis, a situation that got many Nigerians boiling. The Federal Government, in their bid to give a soft landing to their pal, KWAM 1, directed that his flight ban of six months be reduced to a one-month period. Keyamo, in his wisdom, felt that with KWAM-1 having publicly demonstrated penitence by apologising to the President and Nigerians, deserved pardon. He therefore pleaded with the NCAA to withdraw its criminal complaints earlier lodged with the Police against KWAM 1.

Again, in the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet, whose licenses were suspended, Keyamo directed that the NCAA should restore their licenses after a one-month ban after which they must undergo some mandatory professional re-appraisal. However, the most ridiculous was that FAAN should work with KWAM-1 with a view to engaging him as an Ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. What is the logic in appointing KWAM-1 as an Ambassador for proper airport conduct so soon after penalising him for disrupting a flight? This is one decision that is contradictory, and has the potential of damaging public trust in aviation governance.

It is shameful that the federal government, without allowing the Police to conclude their investigation and possibly file charges against KWAM 1 hastily accepted his apology and granted him pardon. Again, it is doubtful if the Federal Government considered the full implications of its handling of the case of KWAM 1. By this hypothetical action, the Tinubu administration has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports. Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the federal government will, henceforth, be accused of subjecting any unruly passenger to discriminatory treatment on the ground that KWAM 1 was ‘pardoned’ without any criminal trial whatsoever. Excusing offenders on ground of ‘remorse’ risks encouraging impunity and undermining the strict standards that govern the aviation sector. If we do not maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly behaviour, we risk creating a culture where passengers believe they can act recklessly without consequences. We are in a country where we do not follow rules and order, a Nation where discipline is grossly lacking and should be instilled. It is not proper for us to continue to forgive people on compassionate grounds. Nigeria is not being run on law and order, but on the whims of who and who are involved.

That is the beginning of a Banana Republic where anything goes. The message we are sending to the youths with this, is for them to make money at all cost, become an ‘influential’ member of the society, and they can get away with anything. After all, KWAM 1 did and has gotten away with it with more or less national honours.

Again, KWAM 2, escaped punishment because Nigerians felt that since KWAM 1 committed a more serious offence, why punish one and leave the other? Isn’t what is good for the goose good for the gander? Now, Comfort has been released from Kirikiri Prison after the federal government withdrew charges levelled against her in Court. The life ban placed on her has also been lifted, while AON, is also looking at the option of using Comfort, who has also ‘shown remorse’, as an ‘ambassador for good passenger conduct’. How low can we go again?

Why do we have laws that we won’t implement? Part 17.89 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, known as Nig. CARs 2023, stated that: ‘’any passenger who becomes unruly at the airport or on board an aircraft commits an offence. Again, section 17.89.1.2 gave a wider definition of the word ‘unruly’ as used in the above section as referring but not limited to the following acts:  (b) Use of mobile phones and/or other communication/electronics gadgets on board an aircraft without the approval of the aircraft commander; (c) fighting or other disorderly conduct on board an aircraft or at the terminal building; (d) Any conduct/act constituting a nuisance to other passengers; (e) Disobedience of lawful instructions issued by the aircraft commander, flight crew, cabin attendants, check-in staff and/or security screening staff; (f) Any conduct that endangers or is likely to endanger the safety of flight operations.

Section 17.89.1.3 went on to state that: “where any passenger becomes unruly on board an aircraft or at the terminal building, the aircraft commander or airport authority shall take necessary measures including restraint where necessary: (a) to protect the safety of the aircraft, terminal building or of persons or property therein; or (b) to maintain good order and discipline on board or at the terminal building; and to enable him deliver such person to competent authorities.”

Against this background, many Nigerians are of the view that the minister’s action was not only shameful, but damaging to the country’s image and reputation. They argue that the minister’s action showed that Nigeria is not following the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

For spending 24 hour in jail, Nigerian men are also falling over themselves, offering mouth-watering deals to Comfort. Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced a mouth-watering deal for her. In an Instagram post, Ossai said that he had secured a job in Delta State for Emmerson with a monthly salary of N500,000. The governor’s aide also promised to bankroll an all-expenses-paid trip to the state, including flight tickets, a five-star hotel stay, guided tours, and a ticket to the Delta Social Media Summit slated for August 28 in Asaba. According to him, the offer is meant to help Emmerson “unwind” after her prison ordeal. Francis Van-lare has also offered her a free trip to Doha in Qatar and Istanbul, Türkiye, with $100,000 as her basic travel allowance. It is quite ironic that many of those promising her heaven on earth are simply lusting after what they saw on her chest and are not really ready to help her.

But one man who will not sit down and allow the double standard slide, Public Interest advocate, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has instituted a N500 billion suit against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and several other parties at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing them of grossly violating the rule of law in the handling of KWAM 1 and KWAM 2 cases.

The case, marked FHC/L/CS/1632/25, names as respondents, the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Ibom Air, ValueJet, the Nigerian Correctional Service, King Wasiu Ayinde, the Nigeria Police Force, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria. According to him, the dispute goes beyond the individuals involved, exposing deeper institutional weaknesses. The lawyer faulted the disparate treatments given to both cases, alleging that KWAM 1 faced no legal repercussions, while Emmerson was subjected to swift punitive action. Let’s wait and see how the case would pan out in Court.

However, nobody should be surprised if ICAO and IATA wield the big stick against us. They are looking at the shenanigans going on in our aviation industry. When they come here for an audit, the Minister and the President will not be there to answer the questions; it is the Director-General of the NCAA that will answer their queries.

See you next week.

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The incident led to the suspension of the licences of the pilots and the placement of Ayinde, popularly referred to as KWAM 1, on no-fly list.

In a statement he personally signed, KWAM 1 on Friday declared that the incident was unfortunate.

He added: “I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.”

Apologising, KWAM 1 said, “To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology.”

The statement reads in full:

“The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, 2025, involving my humble self and ValueJet Airline, was, to say the least, unfortunate.

“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.

“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded.

“However, I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.

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My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly.

“That said, the incident is sincerely regretted. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.

“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology.”

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In his official X handle @fkeyamo on Thursday, Keyamo also ordered the NCAA to immediately notify both domestic and international airlines of the directive.

According to him, any operator who flouts the directive risks withdrawal of operating licence.

The directive came following a safety breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja terminal.

The incident, which involved Ayinde popularly known as KWAM 1 and two pilots of ValueJet Airlines, led to the suspension of the licences of the pilots.

The pilots had been identified as Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba.

The minister condemned the behaviour of Ayinde and the pilots during the incident.

Keyamo said that his preliminary impression of the incident was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides, adding that that could have led to serious fatalities.

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“I have received reports from all the relevant aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at Abuja airport on Tuesday, August 7, 2025 with video footage of the incident.

“Contrary to what the agents of KWAM 1 have said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually block the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off.

“This is totally unacceptable behaviour.

“The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even an issue at this point.

“It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which is akin to a hostage situation.

“The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached,” he said.

He added that no amount of provocation ought to make the captain and co-pilot of an aircraft to begin to taxi without security personnel having safely moved an unruly passenger away from the front of an aircraft.

According to the minister, both sides breached standard safety protocols as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Source: NAN

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The announcement is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The NCAA has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

‎”Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the Pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the Co-Pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.

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‎‎”This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident,” the statement reads.

‎‎According to the NCAA, the preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

‎‎It added that the pilot’s reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

‎‎According to the NCAA, it views the incident with utmost seriousness as it reaffirms its commitment to safety to all stakeholders.

Source: NAN

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The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, disclosed this when he addressed newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, two international and three domestic operators, which he did not name, were involved in various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations.

The violations include nonpayment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delays and canceled flights.

“Although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions they must take when these occur.

“Failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions.

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“The authority recently warned that it would initiate sanctions if airlines failed to pay refunds within the stipulated time frame of fourteen days for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets purchased by cash,” he said.

He, however, said that incessant disruptions during Yuletide had caused a surge in passengers’ complaints about delays and cancellations.

“We all know that this is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get cancelled.

“This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances.

“The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” the director explained.

He assured that NCAA would be summoning the Chief Executives Officers of all airlines soon to a meeting over flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.

Source: NAN

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The Acting Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the assertion in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, on Tuesday.

The NCAA warned the airlines to desist from the infraction or face dire regulatory actions.

“The NCAA now runs a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions.

“Ease of doing business is the crux of the D-G’s action plan for the NCAA. In line with that action plan, it has made processes for licensing easy for operators.

“The time to secure AOC is now shorter and less cumbersome than it used to be in the past. The NCAA therefore expects reciprocity from airlines, chief of which is world-class services to passengers,” he said.

Najomo was quoted as saying that, if the NCAA was enabling a business friendly environment for operators, then the operators must satisfy the passengers with superior services.

“It has come to our notice that some airlines are being reported for advertising deceitful departure times. The NCAA regulation says no airline shall display deceitful passenger departure time at its counter, advert material or on its website.

“We want to make it very clear that the D-GCA has directed monitoring and offenders will face serious regulatory actions,” Najomo said.

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He further stated that the authority believed in safety, discipline, and economic regulation which is evident in the recent suspension of ten Permits for Non Commercial Flights (PHCF) holders for failing to comply with the recertification advisory issued in April 2024.

Speaking to the ease of doing business environment at the NCAA, Najomo said the ease of business was an area the authority would continue to improve.

“This is evident in our high score on the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) ranking. Recently our sister agency scored 96 per cent but the NCAA scored 98.5 per cent which is an extremely high score.

“This is building from the commendable score of 71.04 per cent the NCAA scored during this year’s ICAO Security Audit.

“The numbers are improving and we will continue to do what we can to make the industry safer, and more secure for passengers and stakeholders,” he assured.

On the difficulty in refund processes by airlines, Najomo said all refunds by airlines must be done devoid of undue delays and the process should conclude in 14 working days regardless of the mode of purchase of the tickets.

On the suspension of PHCF licenses of ten operators, he explained that they were advised since April 2024 to commence the process for recertification but they refused to comply this they left the Authority with no option than to sanction them.

Najomo also cleared the air on the misconceptions and misinformation in a recent publication alleging that the law surrounding the suspension of 10 PHCFs were not in vogue among other accusations.

Describing the allegations, which he believed to be done in ignorance or mischief as fluid and unfounded, Najomo explained the authority’s actions using the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

He said that the action taken by NCAA was part of its mandate to ensure compliance with the civil aviation law establishing it and the attendant regulations.

In order to sanitize the sector, NCAA re-affirmed its stance to rid the industry of illegal charter operators who might have inspired the publication.

Source: NAN

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This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on Friday in Abuja.

The agency said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of Permit for Non Commercial  Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or rewards  (commercial operation or charter services).

“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the April 19, 2024.

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“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd and Matrix Energy Ltd.

“Also Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations,” the agency said.

The agency said that its officials had been deployed to General Aviation Terminals, GAT, and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.

Source: NAN

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NCAA’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.

Achimugu said that President Bola Tinubu had directed NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and relevant agencies, to ensure that the rights of Nigerian passengers were protected at all times.

He said the NCAA was currently mediating in the feud between the European carrier and aviation labour unions, which picketed the airline’s operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to him, the agency would not hesitate to roll out stiff penalties and sanctions to Turkish Airlines as Nigerian passengers, were still stranded at the airport, following its failure to airlift them to Istanbul.

Achimugu said the federal government and its agencies would spare no effort to call to order any airline that violated the rights of Nigerian passengers.

According to him, the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, had in a virtual meeting on Tuesday from the United Kingdom initiated reconciliatory  moves between the Country Manager of Turkish Airlines and the unions.

He, however, said the representative of the airline exhibited some traits of impudence, which the regulator deemed amounted to lack of regard for the system.

Arising from the infraction, Achimugu said the federal government would not hesitate to look deep into the impasse with the possibility of extracting the right punishment if the carrier was found culpable.

The federal government, he said, would take every step to ensure the rights of Nigerian passengers were not trampled on by any carrier, including foreign airlines, in taking the right steps to address any infractions on their conditions of operations into the country.

He confirmed that over 300 passengers had been trapped in the imbroglio involving the Turkish Airlines, and aviation unions, as the carrier had cancelled flights out of and into Nigeria until Thursday.

Achimugu said that though the carrier claimed to have communicated with passengers through electronic mail on the on-going hitch concerning its operations into and out of the country, some passengers still turned up at the Lagos Airport.

He said: “The NCAA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the inability of Turkish Airlines to operate flights out of Lagos Airport, due to the picketing of its operations by aviation unions.

“We will ensure that the rights of Nigerian passengers are not violated.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed the NCAA, FAAN and relevant agencies to ensure that the rights of Nigerian passengers are protected.

“Currently, the NCAA is engaging officials of Turkish Airlines, but we have observed some degree of insolence of the Country Manager, who engaged our D-G in a shouting match, he was even banging the table.

“This behaviour to the NCAA is unacceptable. At the end of our findings, if the airline is found culpable, we will invoke the relevant parts of our regulation Part 17,  to mete out the right punishment,” he said.

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Achimugu on Wednesday evening visited the stranded passengers at the new terminal of the international airport, where he conveyed the message of the D-G to them, saying that the authority would not rest until they were transported to their various destinations.

One of the stranded passenger, Obiekwe Ngozichukwu, a Guttenberg, Sweden resident, said he was afraid of losing his job as a top official of one of the hotels in that country, because the company had been calling him to resume work.

He said he visited Nigeria for his mother’s burial, but could not go back because of the cancellation of his flight, and had been sleeping on the floor at the airport for two days.

“We don’t know when we are leaving here, I appeal to the authorities to intervene and save us from this  experience.”

Another passenger, a Germany based construction worker, Charles Ifeanyi, also appealed to the federal government to intervene, to save the situation, lamenting that the authorities must not allow Nigerians to be maltreated anywhere in the world anyhow.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had began the picketing of Turkish Airlines in Lagos.

The picketing is to ensure that the carrier reinstates staffers, who were dismissed, forced to abandon duty or forced to resign under duress, including those victimised for their union membership in 2020.

Source: NAN

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The inauguration of the newly reconstituted committee took place on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the authority’s corporate headquarters, in Abuja.

In his address, Capt. Najomo stated that the reconstitution of this committee is expedient, especially after the creation of the Directorate of Special Duties and the establishment of a Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit within the Directorate.

He noted that project monitoring did not only entail planning and execution but also diligent supervision and continuous monitoring and evaluation towards achieving specific goals.

According to the Ag. DGCA, the 10-man committee was first constituted in 2021, and its reconstitution demonstrated NCAA management’s collective dedication to transparency, accountability, and value for resources.

He reiterated that the project monitoring and contract evaluation team was not responsible for contract award or negotiation, but purely to monitor compliance and ensure that management’s standard and specifications were met.

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He, therefore, tasked them to be the lens through which projects in NCAA would be viewed to ensure strict compliance with the authority’s Service Level Agreements, compliance with extant laws and regulations, identify potential risks and liabilities, ensure value for money, as well as proffer recommendations to guide management’s decision-making in project delivery.

While admitting that the task ahead of the committee was enormous, considering their primary assignments in the NCAA, he urged members of the committee to see themselves as agents of change in line with his (Najomo’s) NCAA Project 2024 and beyond, assuring members of his support in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The committee, which is chaired by the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Horatius Egua, has members drawn from Directorates/Departments of Finance, Legal Services, Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Procurement and Human Resources and Administration.

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The suspension takes effect from Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The suspension is contained in a letter by NCAA to the management of Dana Air.

Signed by its Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, on Wednesday in Lagos, the NCAA in the letter said its action was in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

The suspension was said to be in connection with the runway excursion involving a Dana aircraft MD-82, with registration number 5N BKI on Tuesday.

The NCAA said it was awaiting the preliminary report of the investigation launched by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, over the matter.

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It stated further: “While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an inhouse compliance assessment of this occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving Dana Air aircraft.

“This is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in sharing the concerns of the Authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.

“As precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your AOC with effect from April 24 at 23.59 p.m. to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit.”

The safety audit, the NCAA said, would entail a re-inspection of the organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

It stated that the economic audit would critically examine the financial health of the airline in order to be sure of its capability to sustain safe flight operations.

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