BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would host an End-of-Year Consumer Awareness Programme tailored for air travellers, airline operators and aviation service providers in the South-South region.
The two-day event will take place in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State and aims to educate the travelling public on their rights and obligations while fostering a culture of service excellence across the aviation sector.
According to the aviation industry regulator, the programme kicks off on December 4, 2024, with a Consumer Awareness Roadshow themed “Effective and Efficient Travel Experience Management for Increased Participation and Enhanced Regulation.” Organized by Janvier Technologies Ltd., the roadshow will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Following the roadshow, a Town Hall Meeting will be held at LA Kings Event Centre, 31 Stadium Road, Port Harcourt. With the theme “Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry for Operational Efficiency, Service Excellence, and Economic Viability,” the Town Hall is designed to provide passengers with a platform to share their experiences and offer feedback on air travel in Nigeria. Organized by GPC Limited, the interactive session promises active engagement between stakeholders and consumers.
On December 5, 2024, the programme will culminate in a Conference at Osborn La-Palm Royal Resort, 3 Olaka Street, off Abacha Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt. Themed “Enhancing Global Prominence and International Competitiveness of the Nigerian Aviation Sector,” the conference is organized by Pliance Global Aviation and will feature experts delivering insightful presentations aimed at advancing the sector’s global standing.
Studies conducted by the Consumer Protection Directorate reveal a significant gap in passengers’ awareness of their rights and obligations.
Many travellers remain unaware that issues like flight delays caused by natural phenomena cannot be attributed to airlines or airport management.
The sensitisation campaign reflects the renewed commitment of the NCAA’s executive management, led by Captain Chris Ona Najomo, to create a civil aviation framework that contributes maximally to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Speaking on the objectives of the programme, Captain Najomo noted, “Our goal is to bridge the knowledge gap among air travellers, enhance consumer protection, and entrench a culture of service excellence across the aviation value chain.”
The town hall interaction aims to: Educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Build an informed air travel community.
Promote a culture of service excellence across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
To foster effective feedback, the event will include random customer interviews, stakeholder interactions, and a collaborative dialogue addressing key issues within the industry.
These engagements seek to reduce past tensions and improve consumer experiences in both domestic and international air travel.
Experts will deliver papers at the conference to deepen understanding of the innovative measures introduced by the NCAA under its current leadership.
These presentations will spotlight passengers’ rights as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) and highlight strategic interventions aimed at strengthening consumer protection mechanisms.
Stakeholders note that through these activities, the NCAA is charting a roadmap for a more efficient civil aviation system.
By fostering dialogue among critical stakeholders and addressing long standing consumer concerns, the programme aims to establish a robust, inclusive, and sustainable air transportation framework for Nigeria.
