Federal Government Orders NCAA to Name and Shame Airlines Over Unjustified Flight Disruptions

In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing consumer protection, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to publicly identify airlines that delay, cancel, or disrupt flights without justifiable cause.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, mandates the NCAA to “name and shame” erring carriers as part of a broader effort to uphold passenger rights and improve service standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Achimugu emphasized the authority’s strengthened commitment to protecting passenger rights, stating that airline staff can no longer abandon frustrated passengers while leaving NCAA officials to manage customer complaints. He reiterated that such practices will no longer be tolerated.

“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever ventures into this business must do it well,” Achimugu stated. “We must not always choose the easy way out.”

He further urged airlines to strive for world-class service, not only for the sake of passengers but for their own professional pride.

The NCAA spokesman also highlighted that exposing officials to risk while supporting airlines and defending passenger rights is unacceptable. He confirmed that sanctionable infractions will face full regulatory measures in accordance with existing laws.

“The Federal Government has instructed that airlines be named and shamed by the NCAA,” Achimugu said. “While not all disruptions are the fault of airlines, operators must comply with the regulations whenever there is a disruption.”

The “naming and shaming” policy is effective immediately, following directives from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.