The Director General Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, has reiterated that the NCAA sustain domestic airlines despite regulatory penalties and operational challenges. This assurance comes after Air Peace and four other carriers received sanctions over customer rights violations. However, the NCAA insists that such enforcement is part of standard oversight, not an effort to cripple operators.
The NCAA had recently ordered Air Peace to adjust its schedule to align with its available aircraft. The order followed complaints of delayed flights and refund lapses. However, the agency clarified that it has no intention of grounding viable airlines that pass financial and safety audits.
The NCAA stated, “We regulate for sustainability. Any carrier that is safe and financially viable will not be forced out of the skies.”
Officials emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to lose more domestic capacity. Domestic flight options have remained about 40% below pre-COVID levels. Thus, trimming viable operators would hurt passengers and stall aviation recovery. “Where will passengers go if more airlines disappear?” the NCAA asked rhetorically.
Despite public frustration, the agency believes enforcing accountability while keeping airlines operational is key. That balance, it said, underpins Minister Festus Keyamo’s aviation agenda. Under his tenure, over N2.1 billion in refunds and compensations were paid to passengers in 2023. This is the highest figure in the country’s aviation history.
The NCAA sustain domestic airlines policy also involves boosting the authority’s consumer protection framework. The newly revitalized unit, according to the agency, is now “Africa’s most proactive.” Improved staff morale and stronger monitoring have led to better outcomes for passengers nationwide.
Transitioning from crisis to growth requires strategic support for indigenous operators. The NCAA drew comparisons to Innoson Motors, stressing that aviation should receive similar local patronage. “We must protect what we build,” the agency stated, referencing Keyamo’s five-point aviation development plan.
One part of this strategy includes implementing global aviation treaties like the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction and the IDERA protocol. These moves have restored lessor confidence and will increase the dry lease of aircraft. New arrivals are expected by 2024, gradually strengthening airline fleets.
Director General Najomo affirmed that Nigeria’s aviation regulator is addressing deep-rooted structural challenges. According to him, “We are working layer by layer. While change takes time, we now see progress—especially in safety compliance and international partnerships.”
The NCAA’s approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic goals. Aviation is central to that national vision. The agency stressed that no airline or stakeholder will be allowed to undermine that focus. Regulatory enforcement will intensify where necessary to maintain safety and efficiency.
In conclusion, stakeholders are encouraged to critique constructively while also recognizing industry progress. “Aviation isn’t a roadside business,” one NCAA official remarked. “It requires consistency, foresight, and resilience to truly soar.”
