ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Amid widespread flight delays and cancellations during the festive season, Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has summoned a meeting with airline CEOs to address passenger grievances and operational challenges.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, announced the development Thursday on his X account, noting that Najomo is interrupting an important assignment to meet with domestic airline executives on Friday.
Achimugu recounted his own experience with irate passengers during a delayed flight.
“Passengers were really angry and threatened to become violent,” Achimugu said. “I personally addressed them for about 20 minutes, explaining that the airline does not bear liability in cases of force majeure, such as bad weather.”
To mitigate the tension, Achimugu took immediate steps to assist affected passengers.
“I insisted the airline provide transportation back to the Central area for all passengers and paid for nearby accommodation for elderly passengers who appeared weak after the lengthy wait,” he explained.
He added that the airline agreed to compensate passengers with a 50% refund or cash rebate and ensured refunds for those who opted out of their flights.
Achimugu highlighted NCAA’s ongoing efforts to improve passenger satisfaction, revealing that enforcement action against five airlines had been announced recently—marking the first time in over a decade that the Consumer Protection Department has taken such steps.
“I have also requested NiMET to send daily weather reports directly to my office, allowing us to verify airlines’ claims about weather conditions,” he said.
