Daniel Otera
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will begin publicly naming airlines that fail to comply with aviation regulations, particularly in cases of delayed or cancelled flights.
The warning was issued on Monday by NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, who said airlines would no longer be allowed to abandon passengers without providing the required support.
He stated, “Passengers who are left stranded between 10:00pm and 4:00am as a result of flight cancellations or delays are entitled to hotel accommodation at the airline’s expense.”
According to Achimugu, the regulator has received increasing complaints from passengers over poor treatment during disruptions, with reports that airline staff sometimes disappear from terminals, leaving only NCAA consumer protection officers to deal with agitated travellers.
“The situation where airline staff intentionally disappear, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to handle justifiably irate and frustrated passengers will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
While acknowledging the operational challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, Achimugu insisted that airlines must meet regulatory standards.
“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever willfully ventures into a business and wants to remain in it must do it well. We must not always choose the easy way out. Don’t you want to be called ‘world class’? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level?” he asked.
The NCAA warned that exposing its officials to hostile situations was unacceptable, stressing that its role is to protect both passengers and the industry.
“You cannot expose NCAA officials to avoidable risk when all they do is support your business and protect your rights,” Achimugu added.
The authority confirmed that the new enforcement drive follows directives from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. It said the “naming and shaming” of defaulting operators will now form part of its compliance measures.
“For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations,” the statement read.