By 9jaeye 
On October 16, 2024, the Nigerian House of Reps passed a motion urging airline operators to compensate passengers who experience frequent flight delays and cancellations. This motion reflects the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerian travelers, who face significant inconvenience and financial losses due to the unreliability of domestic flights. Lawmakers argued that the current situation violates consumer rights and urged airlines to take full responsibility for poor service delivery.
Kelechi Nwogu, a House of Reps member from Rivers State, introduced the motion, which quickly gained widespread support from other members of the House. Nwogu highlighted the need for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strictly enforce its consumer protection regulations. These regulations require airlines to compensate passengers when flight delays or cancellations occur due to reasons unrelated to weather or security.
4o However, many airlines have routinely violated these rules, leaving passengers stranded without compensation or adequate communication.
Airline Accountability and Passenger Rights
During the debate, several lawmakers emphasized the importance of protecting Nigerian consumers and ensuring airlines comply with existing laws. They cited numerous complaints from passengers, including delayed business meetings, missed events, and financial losses. The representatives argued that these challenges have persisted for too long, and it is time for airlines to face consequences.
Nwogu pointed out that the NCAA has the authority to impose penalties on airlines that fail to compensate passengers in cases of avoidable delays. He stressed that the aviation industry needs greater oversight and accountability, particularly as more Nigerians rely on air travel for both personal and professional purposes.
Call for Stricter Enforcement
The motion calls on the NCAA to enforce existing laws more rigorously and ensure airlines are penalized for non-compliance. Lawmakers also demanded that airlines improve their communication with passengers during disruptions and offer timely alternatives. The House of Representatives expressed concern that without stricter enforcement, the situation could continue to worsen, further eroding public trust in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This motion serves as a significant step toward addressing long-standing issues in the aviation industry. The next steps involve close monitoring of airline operations to ensure they meet the required standards of service, and that passengers receive compensation when their rights are violated.
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