Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized that in matters concerning aviation, everyone, including puff-puff sellers at airports, has an opinion.
Keyamo made this statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, discussing the actions taken by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regarding the health status of Dana Airline. The PUNCH previously reported that the NCAA suspended Dana Airlines’ Air Operator Certificate due to safety concerns.
This suspension followed an incident involving a Dana Air aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) carrying 83 passengers and crew members that experienced a runway incursion on Tuesday while landing at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja.
Addressing the criticisms surrounding the suspension, Keyamo clarified that he did not personally contact the airline but directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to take action.
He stressed the importance of thorough inspections of aircraft within the country’s aviation sector, warning of the potential consequences if they are not properly maintained, which he described as “flying coffins” in the air.
Keyamo emphasized his commitment to transparency regarding the condition of commercial aircraft, affirming that he does not intend to mislead Nigerians about their safety.
“Two years ago, there was an audit that revealed concerning findings regarding the condition of Dana aircraft. Following subsequent developments, I instructed a review of the audit’s thoroughness before allowing them to resume operations.
“The challenge within this sector lies in the prevalence of individuals who assert themselves as experts without proper qualifications. It seems everyone claims to be an aviation expert, even those who have only sold puff-puff at the airport.
Since assuming office, I have repeatedly invited such individuals to share their ideas and engage in constructive debates on how to improve the aviation sector.
Our focus has been on establishing clear priority areas and implementing measures accordingly.”
This isn’t the first instance where the minister has extended a challenge to certain experts for a public debate on aviation issues. On March 14, Keyamo visited France and toured the factory of Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, in Toulouse.
A video of his tour circulated widely, prompting some stakeholders to suggest that Keyamo had assumed the role of an Airbus sales agent.
In response, Keyamo issued a statement asserting that the Federal Government is committed to supporting local operators by facilitating smooth aircraft leasing processes.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the aviation sector and ensuring its sustainability.
Keyamo also expressed frustration with the criticism from these ‘experts’, whom he claimed have not made any significant contributions to the development of the industry. In response to questions about his plans to address irregularities in the sector, Keyamo highlighted the pervasive complicity within the system and pledged to initiate and sustain a cleansing process until these issues are resolved.
He pointed out instances of regulators living ostentatiously beyond their means, acquiring luxury homes and vehicles, despite being public servants.
Keyamo emphasized that such behavior endangers the lives of Nigerians as it often involves cutting corners and falsifying reports, checks, and training records.
He described the criticisms from so-called aviation experts as symptomatic of the corruption within the sector, which he is determined to tackle head-on.
Keyamo underscored the systemic corruption in the aviation industry, where individuals frequently flout regulations for personal gain, and vowed to dismantle these corrupt practices.
