The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has issued a stern warning over a growing culture of impunity among airline passengers. In a letter to Minister Festus Keyamo, NAFSA stated that past leniency in handling unruly passengers has emboldened disruptive behaviour and undermined airport safety.
The association welcomed recent statements by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), but stressed that decisive, consistent enforcement is critical.
NAFSA, a professional, independent non-governmental association with nearly three decades of experience, described itself as a “Gatekeeper of Safety in the Aviation Sector.”
The association collaborates with key aviation authorities including the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, NCAT, and NSIB. It also engages professional bodies like NATCA and NAAPE to provide technical guidance ensuring high safety standards in airports nationwide.
The association defined unruly behaviour, in line with NCAA regulations, as any conduct that disrupts airport operations. NAFSA cited recent incidents involving high-profile figures such as Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, KWAM 1, and Miss Comfort Emmanson. The association argued that these events show how dangerous such behaviour is, posing threats to staff, passengers, and overall airport security.
According to NAFSA, weak enforcement of regulations, inadequate deterrents, economic pressures, and general disregard for airport authorities fuel these behaviours. “Past leniency has created a perception of impunity,” the letter said, warning that this culture encourages others to emulate disruptive conduct. The association predicted that the upcoming yuletide season, with higher passenger volumes, could see an escalation if decisive action is not taken.
While commending Minister Keyamo’s intervention in the Miss Comfort Emmanson case for easing tensions, NAFSA cautioned against repeating patterns of forgiveness. The association insisted that no disorderly passenger should be pardoned in future cases. It also acknowledged FAAN and NCAA’s recent sensitization seminars, describing them as commendable but insufficient without strict enforcement of the law.
NAFSA stressed that airport staff must uphold professional standards and be trained in conflict de-escalation. This, it said, will help staff manage situations calmly while maintaining safety. The letter also recommended reviewing staff postings to sensitive areas to prevent complacency or overstretch, especially during peak periods.
The association further highlighted the need for timely adjudication of unruly passenger cases. It warned that delays in verdicts could reinforce impunity and erode public confidence in the justice process. For extreme cases, NAFSA argued that immediate passenger removal or flight cancellation may be necessary to protect staff and travelers.
Central to the letter is the insistence that discipline must be enforced without compromise. NAFSA called for a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that threatens airport safety. The association also expressed readiness for consultations and deliberations with the ministry and stakeholders, emphasizing that collaboration is key to sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, the e-signed letter dated September 22, 2025, reflects NAFSA’s firm stance that preventive measures, strict enforcement, and unwavering discipline are essential to protect Nigeria’s aviation sector. The association expressed confidence that, under Minister Keyamo’s leadership, decisive action can restore order and security in the nation’s airports, even as passenger numbers rise.
