The House of Representatives, in a Wednesday resolution, has decided to investigate the operations of all airline operators due to the ongoing issues of continuous flight delays and cancellations across the country.
This decision came after the House adopted a motion titled ‘Need to Address Delay, Cancelations, and Ill-Treatment of Passengers by Airlines in the Nigerian Aviation Industry,’ which was sponsored by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Nwogu highlighted the fact that Nigerian airports have been recognized as the busiest in West Africa. He emphasized the importance of imposing sanctions on airlines that fail to meet their obligations, aiming to deter other operators in the Aviation Sector.
“The House acknowledges the efforts of the Federal Government in supporting the aviation industry within the country.
“The House expresses its concern over the persistent delays, cancellations, and the mistreatment of passengers by airlines at various airports.
“The House is distressed by the fact that many travelers have missed crucial medical appointments, business meetings, job interviews, aptitude tests, and other important appointments due to flight delays or cancellations.
“The House is aware that a significant number of travelers have been forced to spend the night at the airport due to avoidable delays or cancellations.
“The House is also cognizant of the protracted process for ticket refunds, to the extent that some passengers are compelled to forfeit their money.
“The House is further aware that travelers are legally entitled to a full refund, including the ticket cost, taxes, baggage fees, and any additional charges incurred during the journey.
“The House recognizes the importance of protecting travelers’ rights through legislation, regulations, and government bodies such as the Federal Competition and Consumers Commission,” he emphasized.
Deeply concerned about these issues, the lawmakers unanimously condemned the persistent delays, cancellations, and mistreatment of passengers by airlines within the Nigerian aviation industry.
Consequently, the House called upon the Minister of Aviation, the Chief Executive Officers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Federal Competition and Consumers Commission (FCCC), and various heads of operators’ associations and groups in the sector to formulate policies and regulations that safeguard the rights of travelers in Nigeria and ensure strict enforcement.
During his intervention, Hon Sada Soli pointed out that there is no need for new regulations to be proposed, as existing regulations are already in place. He stressed the importance of enforcing these existing regulations and attributed the violations to corruption and unprofessionalism.
Hon Soli emphasised the need for greater discipline in enforcing these regulations, as airports are the first impression of Nigeria for foreigners and visitors to the country.
Furthermore, Hon. Adesola Adedayo called on citizens whose rights have been violated to seek justice and redress to ensure that errant airlines are penalized, which will serve as a deterrent to operators in the Aviation Sector.
Hon Kabiru Maipalace emphasised the necessity for relevant Standing Committees to include appropriate penalties in the aviation policy.
The motion was put to a vote, adopted with amendments, and subsequently referred to the joint Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance for investigation and enforcement.
