The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has refuted claims circulating in some media outlets suggesting that recent sanctions against five airlines were related to safety violations.
The regulatory agency clarified that the penalties were strictly for consumer protection infractions.
According to Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the enforcement actions were taken after the airlines failed to comply with provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which mandate prompt refunds to passengers for disrupted flights.
“Even the DGCA publicly announced at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos the names of the airlines and the reasons for the enforcement actions. My department is strictly for consumer protection issues, not technical matters. So why would anyone think that I can sanction an airline for safety reasons?” Mr. Achimugu stated.
The affected airlines—Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors—were penalized last week following a warning issued by the NCAA two weeks ago.
Mr. Achimugu emphasized that the authority remains committed to safeguarding the rights of both passengers and operators, ensuring transparency in its regulatory role.
Reacting to the sanctions, Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, acknowledged lapses within the airline’s finance team that delayed passenger refunds.
He expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that such practices do not align with the airline’s vision.
Onyema welcomed the NCAA’s enforcement action and pledged to improve the airline’s response time to complaints.
While some reports speculated that the sanctions were linked to safety concerns, the NCAA dismissed these claims as misleading.
“We do not sensationalize serious issues. The department protects both operators and passengers and will continue to act as an unbiased umpire,” Mr. Achimugu concluded.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to upholding consumer rights while fostering a fair and accountable aviation sector in Nigeria.
