In light of the frequent flight cancellations and delays over the holiday season, Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, or NCAA, has called a meeting with CEOs of airlines.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, revealed this on his X account on Thursday.
He claimed that in order to meet with all of Nigeria’s domestic airline CEOs on Friday, Najomo is rushing through a crucial task.
Achimugu described an incident that happened to him when he was attempting to board his flight.
“This evening, I entered the scene while attempting to board a flight for myself. The passengers were so enraged that they threatened to turn violent.
For almost twenty minutes, I spoke with them directly and said that if the weather was really terrible, I would check with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, or NiMET. He said, “I also clarified that in the event of force majeure, the airline is not liable.”
He claims that in spite of this, he took some action to allay passenger worries.
“I demanded that all passengers be transported back to the Central area by the airline.” After the long wait, I paid for some elderly passengers who appeared too weak to be accommodated at the neighboring Peace Media Hotel.
“The airline agreed to reimburse those who requested a refund as well as to compensate the passengers by 50%.”I explained to the travelers that they could redeem that 50 per cent by cash rather than rebate if they wanted.
“I opened my phone and let as many passengers as possible to scan the NCAA QR code for passengers complaints, and told them to contact me if the airline fails to resolve their complaints by tomorrow morning,” Achimugu explained.
The director recalled that a few days ago the NCAA announced it would enforce action against five airlines, adding that this will be the first time in more than 10 years that the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA is taking such action.
He further stated that he had written to NiMET to begin sending daily weather reports directly to his office, which would enable me to ascertain quickly if an airline lies about weather.
Achimugu said three days ago, he voted some money from his salary to some indigent passengers owed refunds by a certain airline whose current situation is critical.