The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said on Tuesday in Abuja that it may recover and sell the assets of Dana Air to compensate stranded passengers and travel agents.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Aviation Asset Recovery in the sector.
Okay News reports that the minister issued the directive during the fourth-quarter aviation stakeholder engagement focused on improving public feedback and service delivery. He ordered the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify its Aviation Asset Recovery process to trace and refund all outstanding payments owed by Dana Air.
Keyamo said the airline’s suspension in 2024 followed serious safety and operational concerns, adding that authorities placed passenger safety above commercial considerations as part of the broader Aviation Asset Recovery framework.
He stressed that individuals linked to Dana Air would not be allowed to re-enter Nigeria’s aviation sector without clearing all outstanding debts, noting that Aviation Asset Recovery may involve selling the airline’s assets.
Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate was suspended on April 24, 2024, after a runway excursion by one of its MD-82 aircraft, prompting a full safety and economic audit aligned with national Aviation Asset Recovery standards.
Speaking at the event, Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, represented by Ben Omogo, said 9,529 passengers had received refunds or compensation between January and September 2025, with more claims under review as part of Aviation Asset Recovery efforts nationwide.
He added that the NCAA issued 11 enforcement actions and nine sanctions for consumer protection breaches and processed 515 economic authorisations within the same period, reinforcing the Aviation Asset Recovery system.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) approved extended operating hours—up to 10pm—for four additional airports to enhance nationwide connectivity. The measure, linked indirectly to Aviation Asset Recovery goals of improving service efficiency, covers airports in Yola, Owerri, Ilorin, and Enugu.
The extension aims to reduce delays, boost regional travel, and support growing commercial activity across the affected airports, while Aviation Asset Recovery reforms continue across the sector.
