An audit report has emerged, exposing serious issues with the operations and financial state of Dana Airline.
Gatekeepers News reports that the audit, conducted in 2022, has revealed that the airline has been allowed to operate in a precarious financial state and with flagrant safety violations, while the aviation regulators turned a blind eye.
The audit found that the airline was unable to meet current obligations without resorting to more debt, had negative shareholder equity since 2018, and staff were paid late or forced on unpaid leave.
The audit also uncovered numerous safety breaches, including flights operated without properly licensed pilots, expired personnel certifications, and violations of crew rest regulations.
The report, seen by THEWILL, has raised concerns about the failure of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in ensuring the safety of air travellers.
Despite being made aware of the airline’s dire straits and blatant disregard for regulations, the NCAA allowed the airline to continue flying, subjecting innocent Nigerians to unacceptable risks.
This comes a decade after the 2012 Dana Air Flight 0992 crash that claimed 159 lives, indicating the need for stringent oversight.
The recent runway excursion involving a Dana Air flight is a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety.
The aviation experts insist that it is incumbent upon the Ministry of Aviation and the NCAA leadership to take immediate and decisive action to address the issues raised by the audit report and ensure that the airline operates in compliance with safety regulations.
A thorough safety and financial audit must be conducted, and if Dana is found wanting, not only should its operations be suspended until full compliance is achieved but penalty must be handed to those culpable.
“The days of collusion and willful negligence that prioritise profits over people’s lives must end. Nigerian citizens deserve better – they deserve to fly with the utmost confidence in their safety,” the news medium quoted its source as saying.
