The administration of President Bola Tinubu has raised alarm over the escalating issues of flight delays and cancellations plaguing Nigeria’s aviation sector, calling for immediate reforms and stricter penalties for erring airlines.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, voiced the administration’s concerns during a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. “The repeated inconveniences faced by passengers cannot continue unchecked,” Usman said.
The meeting, held to review the first three quarters of 2024, brought together top aviation officials, including Minister Festus Keyamo, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, and Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
A Call for Accountability
Highlighting the dissatisfaction of Nigerian passengers, Usman recommended revisiting the draft policy on airline sanctions, stressing that current measures are insufficient. “We must prioritize passenger welfare by ensuring that airlines are held accountable for repeated delays and cancellations,” she stated firmly.
She also pointed out the alarming duration it takes to resolve customer complaints in the sector. The current benchmark of 224 days, she argued, is “unrealistic” and fails to align with global best practices. “Passenger grievances need timely attention. A system where complaints drag on for months damages the trust and efficiency of the aviation sector,” she emphasized.
The meeting also uncovered inefficiencies in the Ministry’s ability to submit complete and accurate data for performance reviews. Usman criticized the ministry’s agencies for their lapses, saying that these gaps hinder independent assessments critical for monitoring progress.
Industry Woes and Missed Targets
Usman didn’t mince words about the Ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder engagement, which she identified as a key deliverable requiring urgent improvement. The aviation sector has long been criticized for poor communication with customers, leading to widespread frustration among travelers.
The adviser called for a recalibration of performance metrics to ensure realistic targets. “If the targets we set are unachievable, we are setting ourselves up for failure,” she noted.
Minister Promises Action
In response, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, thanked Usman for her candid feedback. He assured stakeholders that steps would be taken to address the issues raised. “We recognize the challenges and are committed to improving performance across the sector,” Keyamo said.
The Minister added that efforts were already underway to streamline operations and improve communication between airlines and their customers. “Passengers deserve transparency and respect. We will ensure that the aviation sector meets these expectations,” he pledged.
Background and Broader Context
Flight delays and cancellations are not new challenges in Nigeria’s aviation industry, but they have worsened in recent years. Industry insiders attribute the issues to aging infrastructure, inconsistent fuel supply, and insufficient regulatory enforcement.
For many Nigerians, traveling by air has become a gamble, with flights often canceled or delayed without adequate explanations or compensation. This has led to public outcry, with passengers demanding stronger protections and more accountability from airlines.
The Tinubu administration, through its Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), has made it clear that these challenges must be tackled urgently. The CRDCU is tasked with ensuring that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) achieve their key deliverables, particularly those linked to the President’s priorities.
International Standards as a Benchmark
Usman’s emphasis on aligning with global best practices underscores a broader ambition to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry. Globally, airline regulators enforce strict penalties for carriers that fail to meet operational standards. For instance, the European Union has stringent rules mandating compensation for passengers affected by flight disruptions.
Adopting similar measures in Nigeria could significantly enhance customer confidence and compel airlines to prioritize service quality. However, experts warn that any reform must consider the operational challenges faced by airlines, including high operational costs and fluctuating fuel prices.
A Sector in Transition
The aviation industry has seen progress in recent years, with new terminals and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Still, systemic issues persist. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been working to improve airport operations, but these efforts are often undermined by poor airline performance and inconsistent policies.
Usman’s call for reform has been welcomed by many industry stakeholders, who see it as a step in the right direction. However, achieving lasting change will require collaboration between regulators, airlines, and other key players.
