Airline operators in Nigeria are facing fresh heat from the Federal Government as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been directed to impose strict sanctions on carriers responsible for flight disruptions without genuine reasons. The move, announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, signals the beginning of a new era of accountability in the country’s aviation industry.
Achimugu, in a statement posted on X, condemned what he described as a “disturbing pattern” where airlines abandon passengers at airports, leaving NCAA consumer protection officers to face frustrated and angry customers. He stressed that such negligence is both unprofessional and unacceptable in a country striving to raise its aviation standards.
The NCAA spokesman questioned why operators in a competitive and globalized industry continue to take shortcuts, warning that excuses about Nigeria’s peculiar operating environment would no longer shield them from sanctions. “Whoever ventures into this business must do it well. Don’t you want to be called ‘world class’? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level? If not for the sake of passengers who trust you to fly them safely, then at least for your own pride,” he said.
Passengers across Nigeria have increasingly expressed frustration over flight delays and cancellations, with some waiting for hours or even days without compensation or proper communication. In 2024 alone, data from aviation watchdogs showed that over 45 per cent of domestic flights suffered delays, while thousands of passengers filed complaints over poor treatment by airlines.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA has the backing of both the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to fully enforce existing consumer protection regulations. He emphasized that the era of “looking the other way” is over, adding that erring airlines would not only face fines but also be publicly exposed.
“The Federal Government has instructed that airlines be named and shamed. While not all disruptions are the fault of airlines, operators must comply with regulations whenever there is a disruption. Exposing NCAA officials to unnecessary risk while we step in to protect passengers’ rights is unacceptable,” Achimugu declared.
Effective immediately, the NCAA will commence a “naming and shaming” campaign, listing airlines that violate consumer rights on its official platforms. Industry insiders believe this could trigger a major shake-up, as airlines scramble to avoid reputational damage in a highly competitive market. For long-suffering passengers, this directive signals a rare moment where government policy aligns with consumer interest, raising hopes that accountability has finally landed in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
