Kehinde Fajobi
The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), airline operators, and other stakeholders to address the recurring issues of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria.
The decision followed a motion moved on Wednesday by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, during plenary.
Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, described the situation as alarming and counterproductive to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
In his motion titled “Incessant Delayed and Cancelled Flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria”, Buhari stated, “The Senate notes that this development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation.
“Unwarranted flight delays and cancellations are counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”
He added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), empowered by the Civil Aviation Act, must ensure airlines adhere to international standards and provide value to customers.
Buhari noted, “Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023 provides for consumer protection, but enforcement has been an issue.
“Most Nigerians are unaware they are entitled to compensation for unnecessary delays, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this regulation.”
Other senators, including Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, supported the motion.
The Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to meet with Keyamo, the NCAA Director-General, and airline operators to investigate the causes of frequent delays and cancellations and propose solutions.