Following the recent air mishaps involving Dana Airlines, the federal government has ordered a full audit of the airline. This call was made at the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which held at the State House on Wednesday.
The recent development is coming following the consideration of a preliminary report submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika after the airline suffered two near-fatal air incidents.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the council had taken time out to discuss the matter extensively as it was considered it to be of great concern.
“A lot of quality time was spent discussing air safety. The government of Nigeria is very much concerned about safety and the life of Nigerians. This is following the recent air incidents.
“Minor as they were because they were no fatalities, the government did feel concerned and the minister presented the report to the council on steps that were taken following the last incident in Port Harcourt when the Dana aircraft overshot the runaway.
“As soon as that happened, within a few seconds, a rescue team was there on the ground and a few moments thereafter, every passenger on board was evacuated.
“There was no harm to persons and this is something that should be celebrated.
“Within 24 hours, an official investigation had commenced because investigators arrived in Port Harcourt and began work. One week after that, a preliminary report was prepared and it was about this that the council was briefed.
“Consequently, as announced by the aviation authorities, the engineer and pilot of that particular aircraft got their licences suspended and beyond that, the government has ordered a complete audit of Dana Airlines in terms of personnel, operational and technical capacity,” Shehu explained.
