BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified recent sanctions imposed on five airlines, dispelling rumours that the penalties were linked to safety concerns.
Instead, the authority emphasised that the enforcement actions were strictly related to consumer protection violations, reaffirming its commitment to upholding passenger rights.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, explained that the sanctions stemmed from non-compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which mandates timely refunds to passengers in cases of flight disruptions.
“Even the DGCA publicly announced at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos the names of the airlines and the reasons for the enforcement actions. My department is strictly for consumer protection issues, not technical matters. So why would anyone think that I can sanction an airline for safety reasons?”
Achimugu stated, debunking speculative reports circulating in some media outlets.
The enforcement actions affected Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors.
While the sanctions sparked various interpretations, one of the affected airlines, Air Peace, openly acknowledged its shortcomings and expressed its commitment to improving passenger experience.
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, admitted to lapses in his airline’s refund process, stating, “I have noticed that some of my finance staff actually delayed some of those payments, and I was not happy about it as my vision does not align with any practice that inconveniences passengers.
” He welcomed the NCAA’s actions as a necessary reminder and pledged to enhance the airline’s response times to complaints.
Two weeks prior to the enforcement actions, Achimugu had issued a stern warning to airlines, emphasizing that delays in refund payments would no longer be tolerated. True to its word, the NCAA followed through, demonstrating its commitment to consumer protection.
“It is important to note that we do not sensationalize serious issues,” Achimugu stated.
“The department protects both the operators and passengers and will continue to be an unbiased umpire.”
For industry watchers, NCAA’s enforcement actions and subsequent clarifications signal a robust stance on consumer rights within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
By holding airlines accountable for their obligations, the authority not only safeguards passenger interests but also sets a higher standard for operational efficiency and customer service.
