NCAA Set to Sanction Airlines for Consumer Rights Violations in Nigeria
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is poised to impose sanctions on at least five airlines, including some foreign carriers, due to violations of consumer rights and the provisions outlined in Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs). This development is expected to occur imminently as the regulatory body intensifies its efforts to protect passengers' rights.
According to Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the violations encompass a range of issues, including failure to issue refunds within the required timeframe, lack of responsiveness to NCAA directives, mishandling of luggage, short-landed baggage, and delays or cancellations of flights.
These infractions have raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of air travelers in Nigeria. Last month, Achimugu stated that the NCAA is committed to strictly enforcing Part 19 of the NCARs, aiming to mitigate issues related to delayed luggage and other airline violations. As a preliminary measure, the regulatory agency is imposing fines of $170 on foreign airlines and N10,000 on local carriers for delayed luggage. Furthermore, it has mandated that delayed luggage must be delivered to passengers on international flights within 21 days, while for domestic flights, delivery should occur within seven days. Achimugu expressed his determination to implement these sanctions thoroughly, acknowledging that for an extended period, many air travelers were unaware of their rights, which allowed airlines to continue infringing upon those rights without consequence. He noted, “Passengers need to understand the regulations better. For instance, if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you, you have the right to seek compensation from the airline.”
He explained that for domestic flights, passengers can approach the airline's counter to claim their N10,000 for the inconvenience caused, while for international flights, the compensation is $170. Achimugu emphasized that this initiative aims to eradicate the ignorance surrounding passengers' rights and to ensure that Nigerians are well-informed about the regulations that protect them. A reliable source close to the NCAA disclosed that two international airlines and three domestic operators have been found guilty of various infractions, although their identities were not revealed. Achimugu clarified that while airlines are not always at fault for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations require them to take specific actions during such events, and failure to comply will result in varying degrees of sanctions. As the yuletide season has seen a spike in flight disruptions, many domestic operators have experienced delays or cancellations. Achimugu acknowledged the challenges posed by the harmattan season, which can lead to poor visibility and necessitate flight cancellations due to force majeure. However, he stressed that the enforcement actions being initiated will focus on situations where the airlines are deemed responsible for the disruptions. He also indicated that the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the airlines found to be in violation will be summoned for a meeting with the NCAA management within the week to address the regulatory breaches and discuss corrective measures moving forward. This proactive approach highlights the NCAA's commitment to ensuring the rights of air travelers in Nigeria are upheld and protected.
