The Federal Government has issued a directive to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to begin publicly naming and shaming airlines that disrupt flights without valid reasons, in a bid to protect passengers and enforce accountability in the aviation sector.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced the move in a post on X, stating that the era of airlines abandoning passengers and leaving NCAA officers to manage the fallout is over.
“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever ventures into this business must do it well,” Achimugu said.
“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 emphasized that exposing NCAA officials to unnecessary risk while they step in to support stranded passengers is unacceptable.
The agency will now apply the full weight of its regulatory powers to sanction infractions, ensuring that airlines adhere strictly to consumer protection rules.
Achimugu added that while not all flight disruptions are the fault of airlines, operators must comply with established protocols whenever delays or cancellations occur.
“The Federal Government has instructed that airlines be named and shamed by the NCAA,” he said, confirming that the campaign will begin immediately.
The directive, backed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signals a tougher stance on passenger rights and airline accountability, following rising complaints over poor service and unexplained delays across Nigeria’s domestic airspace.