NCAA to name, shame Airlines violating passenger rights

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to begin publicly naming and shaming airlines that violate aviation regulations, particularly those stranding passengers without mandatory support.

The order, announced on September 8, 2025, via a post by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, targets carriers failing to provide hotel accommodations for passengers stranded at airports between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., as required by Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations.

Keyamo, who first pledged tougher oversight in January 2024, said the crackdown aims to enforce compliance, improve passenger welfare, and elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards. While airlines such as Air Peace and Arik Air face scrutiny, none were named in the initial announcement. The directive comes amid widespread complaints over flight delays and cancellations, with NCAA data showing that 15% of domestic flights were delayed by over three hours in the first quarter of 2025.

Achimugu condemned airlines for abandoning staff during disruptions and leaving NCAA consumer protection officers to manage agitated passengers, warning that “the fullest measures possible” will be applied to enforce compliance. He added that airlines’ names and details of violations will be published on NCAA platforms, but operational bans are not planned to avoid deterring investment in the sector.

Nigeria’s aviation industry has struggled with fuel costs, foreign exchange shortages, and aging fleets, while passenger complaints over neglect continue to rise. Industry observers argue that public shaming could pressure airlines to adhere to regulations, though some critics say penalties without stronger sanctions may have limited impact.

Keyamo’s policy follows global examples, such as Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which improved compliance through public listings of offenders.

The move also comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its aviation reputation and attract more international carriers, with Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, handling 60% of the nation’s traffic, a key focus.