Ikeja - The insurers of Dana Air said on Sunday they had begun payment of compensation to Iju-Ishaga residents whose properties were damaged when a Dana Air aircraft crashed into the area on June 3, 2012.
Tony Usidamen, Dana Air’s Head of Corporate Communications, annouced this in a statement in Lagos.
"We can confirm that payment of compensation to affected Iju-Ishaga residents has commenced.
"The process is still ongoing and our insurers are committed to ensuring that all claimants are compensated to the extent of their losses," Usidamen.
He did not give the names of the affected residents and the amount paid.
Usidamen also explained why it took long before the compensation could be paid.
"In order to ensure that just and fair compensation is paid to the affected families, several processes have been 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.
"The airline’s insurers have also continued to deal with claims by families of passengers and crew onboard the ill-fated flight," he said.
Usidamen explained that more than 84 families received advance payments of 30,000 dollars.
He added that payment of final settlement to 14 families who had produced the requisite Letters of Administration (and Letter of Guardianship in the case of minors) had begun.
He commended the Lagos State Government for the cooperation and assistance rendered so far.
"With the waiver of statutory fees and fast-track system, families will have the requisite documents very quickly.
"This will enable the insurers to settle all claims within the shortest possible time, and in accordance with the law," he said.
- NAN