The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will publicly name and shame airlines that consistently violate aviation regulations, especially in cases involving flight cancellations, prolonged delays, and neglect of passenger rights.
The announcement was made on Monday via a statement posted on social media by the NCAA’s Head of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, who said the move is part of a renewed enforcement strategy directed by the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Achimugu emphasized that airlines are legally required to provide hotel accommodation for passengers stranded between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. due to flight cancellations or delays.
“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.
Stricter Accountability Measures
The NCAA says it is responding to a surge in passenger complaints and airport incidents, many of which have escalated into violence, with some passengers taking matters into their own hands due to lack of information or perceived neglect by airline personnel.
While some disruptions stem from operational or weather-related issues, the Authority stressed that non-compliance with existing aviation rules is unacceptable and dangerous to both passengers and NCAA officials.
Full Weight of the Law Coming for Defaulting Airlines
“For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible,” Achimugu warned.
“We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.”
He added that the new policy is aimed at encouraging professionalism, improving passenger confidence, and restoring order to Nigeria’s growing aviation sector.
Why Airlines Are Under Scrutiny
The warning follows increasing reports of:
- Airlines failing to compensate passengers
- Unexplained delays and cancellations
- Airline staff fleeing terminals, leaving only NCAA officers to calm stranded passengers
“You cannot expose NCAA officials to avoidable risk when all they do is support your business and protect your rights,” Achimugu added.
The NCAA said that while it recognizes the difficult operating environment for aviation businesses in Nigeria, responsibility cannot be avoided.
“If you want to be considered world-class, if you want to compete globally, you must hold yourselves to higher standards,” Achimugu wrote.
What Comes Next?
Starting immediately, the NCAA will:
- Publicly name defaulting airlines in official statements and social media posts
- Strictly enforce existing laws under its regulatory framework
- Work more closely with airport security to protect both passengers and staff
The Authority says it remains committed to improving aviation safety, operational transparency, and ensuring all travelers are treated fairly, regardless of airline or class of ticket.
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