The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to sanction domestic airlines that disrupt flights without genuine reasons, warning that operators who abandon passengers will be named and shamed.
This was made known on Monday in a statement by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, who posted the update on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Achimugu stated that many airline operators have been treating passengers unfairly by delaying or cancelling flights without proper communication or care, often leaving NCAA officials to manage angry and stranded passengers.
“Situations where airline staff deliberately abandon passengers and leave NCAA Consumer Protection officers to bear the brunt of customer frustration will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
While acknowledging the operational difficulties in Nigeria’s aviation industry, Achimugu stressed that any airline operating in the country must follow the rules and treat passengers with respect and responsibility.
“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever ventures into this business must do it well,” he said.
“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 warned that exposing NCAA officials to public anger while they attempt to protect passengers’ rights is both unfair and dangerous.
“It is unacceptable for our officers to be put in harm’s way while trying to support airlines and at the same time protect passengers’ rights.”
Achimugu noted that the Federal Government has given clear orders that the NCAA must enforce its regulations strictly and begin naming and shaming airlines that violate passengers’ rights.
He also added that airlines must not use excuses as cover for poor customer service or operational mismanagement.
“For infractions that are sanctionable, the authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.”
In line with the directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA says it will begin immediate enforcement and publish the names of erring airlines as part of efforts to improve service in the sector.
“The naming and shaming of airlines that violate rules will begin immediately,” Achimugu confirmed. “While not all disruptions are the fault of airlines, operators must comply with the regulations whenever there is a disruption.”
Flight delays and cancellations have become common in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector. Passengers frequently complain of being left in the dark without proper explanations, refreshments, or alternative travel arrangements.
According to aviation regulations, when a flight is delayed beyond certain limits, passengers are entitled to compensation such as refreshments, accommodation (if overnight), and in some cases, refunds. But these are often ignored by local carriers.
In the past year, public outrage over poor treatment by airlines has led to calls for stricter action by regulators.
The new directive from the government appears to be a response to these growing concerns, as the aviation ministry pushes for improved service delivery and better compliance with consumer protection laws.
The latest move is expected to bring relief to many air travellers who have long endured inconsistent flight schedules and poor customer service. If properly enforced, the threat of public naming and financial penalties could pressure airlines to improve their operations and respect passengers’ rights.
For now, the NCAA is calling on all operators to raise their standards and treat passengers with dignity.
“If not for the sake of passengers who trust you to fly them safely, then at least for your own pride,” Achimugu added.
