Senate seeks urgent reforms in aviation sector over flight delays, consumer protection

The Senate has turned its spotlight on the recurring challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, summoning key stakeholders to address persistent flight delays, cancellations, and broader issues affecting air travelers.

Among those summoned are the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; and airline operators. This move follows a motion by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC Oyo North), urging a thorough investigation into these issues by the Senate Committee on Aviation to identify root causes and recommend lasting solutions.

Highlighting the extent of the problem, recent data from the NCAA revealed that over 19,250 passengers experienced extended delays between January and June 2024, with nearly 19,274 pieces of luggage reported missing during the same period. The statistics reflect growing dissatisfaction with the reliability of Nigeria’s air transport system, considered a critical component for business and economic growth.

Senator Buhari expressed concern over the negative impact of these disruptions, stating, “This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bo.”

He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of consumer protection provisions outlined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023. These include compensation mechanisms for passengers affected by delays. However, he noted that poor enforcement and low public awareness have allowed airlines to evade accountability.

The Senate’s intervention also ties into the government’s broader economic diversification and foreign direct investment goals. “The quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of the acceptable best practices across the globe.”

“Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the civil aviation industry in Nigeria.”

“However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities,” Buhari added.

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