Senate Summons Aviation Leaders Over Persistent Flight Delays

The Senate on Wednesday summoned Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Festus Keyamo, over persistent flight delays and cancellations across the country.

Airline operators and other aviation stakeholders were also called to address the situation, which has been a source of frustration for travelers.

The Senate tasked its Committee on Aviation with investigating the causes of these disruptions and recommending long-term solutions. This directive followed a motion introduced during plenary by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC Oyo North).

While presenting the motion, Senator Buhari highlighted the growing concerns over unreliable flight operations. He stated, “This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business, official purposes, and time-bound appointments.”

He warned that frequent delays and cancellations could harm Nigeria's socio-economic development and erode public trust in the aviation industry.

The senator pointed out that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act empowers the NCAA to regulate airline operations, ensure consumer satisfaction, and enforce international standards. He added that these statutory provisions should be utilized to prevent unethical practices in the aviation sector.

Buhari also underscored the importance of the aviation industry to Nigeria's broader economic goals, stating, “The quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of acceptable global best practices.”

He noted that Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations (2023) includes consumer protection provisions, but enforcement has been weak. Many Nigerians remain unaware of their rights to compensation for unnecessary delays, he said, urging the NCAA to prioritize these regulations to hold airline operators accountable.

The Senate’s intervention aims to address these challenges and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation sector.