Keyamo Calls for Judiciary’s Partnership to Uphold Air Passenger Rights

In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasized the need for a strong collaboration between the judiciary and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This partnership aims to better protect passenger rights, enhance safety, and ensure justice.

Speaking at the 2025 NCAA Judges Conference in Abuja, Keyamo stated that the goal is to build a system that earns the trust of passengers, investors, and the international community. He explained that this trust is built on a foundation where the NCAA ensures safety and accountability, while the judiciary guarantees justice.

“When passengers or operators believe they will receive a fair hearing, confidence grows. And with confidence, comes investment,” Keyamo said.

He highlighted the Montreal Convention, the international treaty governing passenger rights and airline liabilities—as the central framework for this effort. The minister urged judges to align with the sector’s reforms, ensuring passengers have full confidence that they will receive justice for issues like flight delays, cancellations, lost baggage, or other disputes.

“When the regulators and those who interpret the regulations meet and align, the ultimate winner will be the Nigerian people,” he added.

Supporting this view, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the judiciary as “indispensable” in enforcing global commitments. He noted that when laws are interpreted with clarity, it builds a foundation for safety, fairness, and trust.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Director Gladys Odegbaro, called on judges to apply the Montreal Convention with both precision and empathy. He emphasized that the Convention is a “living instrument” that evolves through judicial interpretation, and its proper application is key to ensuring predictability and fairness for both passengers and airlines.

This collaborative initiative marks a significant step towards resolving the common complaints of air travelers through a more harmonized and effective legal system.