The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been called upon to implement more robust passenger protection measures and tighten regulatory oversight following persistent severe operational disruptions by domestic airlines.
Aviation Expert Calls for Action
Olufemi Adeniji, Chief Executive Officer of the US-based aircraft brokerage Nigame, in an interview with The Guardian in Lagos over the weekend, stated that indigenous airlines continue to violate the rights of the traveling public without intervention from the regulatory body.
He alleged that earlier in the month, he and other passengers were stranded for nearly 15 hours at Lagos airport due to a lack of operational aircraft.
Details of the Incident
Adeniji recounted that he intended to board a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Lagos to Asaba on May 13, scheduled for 7:15 a.m. However, the flight did not depart until 10:15 p.m., causing a delay of approximately 15 hours and significant inconvenience to passengers.
He claimed that during the extended wait, passengers received minimal information from the airline, leading to frustration due to poor communication and inadequate customer service.
The aviation consultant noted that his inquiries revealed the Asaba flight was not the only one affected that day. Flights to Port Harcourt, Kano, and other destinations also experienced major delays, with passengers reportedly given little explanation for the disruptions.
Personal and Broader Impact
Adeniji said the delay had personal consequences for his family, preventing his children from attending their grandmother's burial in Anambra State. He added that many other passengers missed important business meetings, family events, and personal commitments because of the disruption.
He emphasized that persistent delays and cancellations continue to erode public confidence in Nigeria's aviation industry and highlight operational challenges faced by some domestic airlines. He stated: “The scheduled passengers were left in a state of confusion and frustration without anyone properly attending to their concerns.”
