Aviation
Dana Crash: Pastor Omowunmi, others get USD 30,000 compensation
By Oyise OGHENE
LAGOS: Pastor Daniel Omowumi, the owner of the two-storey building where the Dana air plane crashed into at the Iju-Shaga area of Lagos State and other ground victims have been compensated to the tune of USD 30,000 each.
Earlier, Pastor Omowunmi in conjunction with the Committee for the Defence of Human Right (CDHR), Funmilayo Unit had protested with other victims of the accident blocking the entrance to the Dana Air head office at Allen avenue demanding the sum of N500 million for his properties that were destroyed by the crash.
Disclosing this development to newsmen, Head Corporate Communication, Dana Airlines, Mr. Tony Usidamen who confirmed the payment of compensation to the ground victims said that Dana Air insurers were committed towards ensuring that all claimants were fully compensated to the extent of their losses.
Mr. Usidamen however pointed out that although the payment of compensation to the ground victims took some time stressing that it was done according to the laid down processes by law and the settlement reached by all parties concerned.
“We can confirm that payment of compensation to affected Iju-Shaga residents has commenced. The process is still on-going, and our insurers are committed to ensuring that all claimants are compensated to the extent of their losses.”
“The payment took some time in order to ensure that just and fair compensation is paid to the affected families, several processes have be followed by law, and settlement reached by all parties concerned. These processes usually take time but our insurers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all the matters are resolved” he affirmed.
Asked about the families of passengers and crew onboard the ill-fated aircraft, Mr. Usidamen noted that over 84 families have received advance payments of USD 30,000 and payment of final settlement to families who have produced the requisite Letters of Administration (and Letter of Guardianship in the case of minors) has since commenced.
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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