The Federal Government is considering the confiscation and sale of Dana Air assets to refund passengers and travel agents whose funds remain trapped following the suspension of the airline’s operations.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known during the fourth-quarter stakeholder engagement on “Leveraging Public Feedback to Drive Excellence in Aviation Services.”
The minister who directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify efforts to trace and refund all outstanding payments owed by the airline, explained that the decision to suspend Dana Air last year was based on damning safety and operational reports.
He noted that passenger safety was prioritised over commercial considerations.
“For Dana, the problem is that it was a choice between safety and disaster. We didn’t take the commercial aspect as a priority. The priority was safety. I have asked the DG of NCAA to dig deep to find out how those passengers and agents will be refunded,” Keyamo said
He further stated that the government would not allow individuals linked to the troubled airline to return to the sector without clearing outstanding debts.
“One solution will also be that if the same individuals or entities attempt to return to aviation in any guise, they must settle their debts first. We should look at their assets. Let them sell their assets. Let’s cannibalise their revenue and pay people. Let’s find a way to go after their assets,” he added
Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was suspended on April 24, 2024, following a runway excursion involving one of its MD-82 aircraft, with the NCAA ordering a comprehensive safety and economic audit.
Speaking at the event, Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, represented by Ben Omogo, Director of Aviation Security Regulations, revealed that 9,529 passengers had received refunds or compensation between January and September 2025, with more claims under review.
He also disclosed that 11 enforcement actions and 9 sanctions were issued for consumer protection violations, while 515 economic authorisations were processed within the period.
