BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to international airlines over the increasing incidents of Nigerian passengers being denied boarding or deported mid-journey due to visa and travel restrictions.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Michael Achimugu, the Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of NCAA, the regulatory authority expressed deep concern over complaints from Nigerian travelers who, despite purchasing valid tickets, were allowed to board flights only to be stopped at transit or intermediate destinations and forcibly returned to Nigeria.
The NCAA described the practice as “unacceptable, unprofessional, and deeply distressing” to passengers, adding that it tarnishes the reputation of both the affected airlines and Nigeria’s aviation industry as a whole.
According to the NCAA, airlines have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that passengers are fully informed of any travel restrictions, visa requirements, or admissibility barriers before departure.
The agency emphasised that passengers must not be placed in a situation where they are unknowingly sent on a journey that ends abruptly with denial of entry and forced deportation at transit hubs.
Citing Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1), the authority mandated all airlines and their agents to thoroughly screen travelers and provide them with up-to-date information about their documentation and eligibility for entry at their final destination before issuing tickets or boarding passes.
With immediate effect, the NCAA has declared a zero-tolerance policy for such violations, warning that any airline found guilty of these infractions will face severe regulatory sanctions.
These may include hefty fines, suspension of flight operations, or any other punitive measures deemed necessary to protect Nigerian travelers from undue hardship.
“The NCAA will no longer tolerate the mistreatment of Nigerian passengers due to negligence or failure to properly verify travel requirements before ticket issuance,” the statement read.
“Airlines operating in Nigeria must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and consumer protection to maintain the confidence of the flying public.”
The aviation regulator urged airlines to comply fully with these directives, stressing that passenger rights and well-being must be prioritized at all times.
It further assured travelers that it would continue to monitor airline operations closely and enforce strict compliance with aviation laws.
