NCAA pledges to protect travellers’ rights

By Innocent Raphael

In a bid to fortify the bond between operators and air passengers, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged its unwavering commitment to enhancing consumer protection within the aviation sector.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, made the commitment during the recent Consumer Protection Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting held at the NCAA Lagos Regional Office Annex.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of air travelers in the industry, Achimugu said the travellers’ rights need to be treated with utmost care.

He assured attendees that the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection would collaborate relentlessly with airlines and stakeholders to address the challenges encountered by passengers, including flight disruptions, delays, cancellations, and baggage mishandling.

During the gathering, which saw the participation of local airlines, passengers, and media representatives, Achimugu urged stakeholders to prioritize issue resolution over assigning blame.

He outlined measures to enhance consumer protection, including strict enforcement of regulations and adherence to government policies aimed at facilitating the ease of doing business.

Achimugu further reiterated the importance of mutual respect between operators, passengers, and NCAA staff at airports, warning against any form of hostility towards Consumer Protection Officers.