DETERMINED to ensure air travelers enjoy good services across boards, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) through its directorate of consumer protection early in the week held a passengers’ rights, responsibilities roadshow at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The roadshows, which kicked off at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at the local wing of the airport, was to enlighten and sensitize air travellers about their rights and the importance of fulfilling their obligations.
At the roadshows which was led by the director of public affairs and consumer protection of the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, workers of the regulatory agency particularly those at the consumer protection directorate were seeing engaging air travelers on the need to know their rights and what to do in times of unsatisfactory services.
Leading the enlightenment campaign at the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal 2. NCAA educated passengers on rights as part of its nationwide effort to foster a culture of accountability within the aviation industry.
According to Achimugu, the roadshows initiative will subsequently be extended to other airports, including Port Harcourt on December 1, in ensuring broader outreach during the peak travel season.
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While stating that the initiative sought to keep both airlines and passengers informed, Achimugu declared “This festive season heightens travel demand, and passengers must be aware of their responsibilities.”
At Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 and the international terminal, the NCAA workers made efforts to enlighten air passengers on protocols, with emphasis on punctuality during flights.
“Passengers must arrive two hours before domestic departures and three hours for international flights. These guidelines to ensure smoother operations and prevent undue disruptions.
“If your baggage is missing, the airline must compensate you immediately. For domestic flights, it is N100,000, while international flights attract $170 under NCAA regulations.”
“Nigerians often claim ignorance of the NCAA’s role in protecting their rights, but we are here for them. With our Consumer Protection Officers stationed at twenty-three terminals nationwide, passengers can rest assured of immediate assistance.”
He called on passengers to identify the consumer protection officers, who wear uniforms for easy recognition, and approach them for support in the face of any challenge.
The roadshow came few weeks after the directorate had earlier unveiled the consumer protection portal to particularly tackle the constant complaints from air travelers over incessant flight delays and cancellation of flights by the airlines.
This was followed with the introduction of a new portal tagged ‘the Centralised Passenger Information Portal (CPIP)’ aimed at providing additional layer of protection for air travel consumers.
