Chukwudi Okafor
(Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Photo Credit: Punch News)
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated that passengers are entitled to essential amenities—including meals, accommodation, and communication support—when facing flight disruptions.
During a recent appearance on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, emphasized that airlines must uphold consumer rights under Nigerian aviation regulations.
“Passengers experiencing delays should receive refreshments promptly. If the delay extends further, airlines must provide airtime to facilitate communication,” he explained.
“Legal provisions and industry standards mandate this assistance, recognizing the distress passengers endure during prolonged disruptions.”
Ijagwu stressed that airlines must escalate support based on the severity of delays, with last-minute cancellations after extended waits necessitating additional measures like hotel stays and transport arrangements.
“Even beyond regulatory requirements, basic decency demands action when passengers are left stranded overnight,” he noted.
“Given the distance between airports and urban centers, arranging transportation becomes critical—especially in adverse weather or unfamiliar locations.”
He clarified that lodging may be required in extreme cases, with each complaint assessed individually to determine appropriate compensation.
This announcement follows mounting frustrations among Nigerian travelers over rampant flight cancellations and delays, particularly at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Recent incidents saw airlines rescheduling flights without providing stranded passengers with meals or overnight accommodations, exacerbating travel woes.
The crisis stems partly from soaring Jet A1 fuel prices, which have skyrocketed from ₦900 to over ₦3,300 per liter—prompting warnings from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) about potential operational shutdowns.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo acknowledged the strain, suggesting fare adjustments may be unavoidable to sustain domestic carriers struggling with unsustainable fuel costs.
Industry leaders caution that without immediate intervention, worsening fuel shortages could trigger widespread flight cancellations.
