The Director ,Public Affairs and Consumer Protection , Mr.Michael Achimugu ,speaking at the NCAA passengers sensitisation inititiative at MMA2, Lagos
The Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) today organised a roadshow to educate passengers on their rights and responsibilities as part of efforts to create awareness of the activities of the unit.
The roadshow which saw staff of the agency in T-shirts and jeans with a Fez cap to match ,led by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, started from the Aviation House to the General Aviation Terminal(GAT) also known as Domestic Terminal 1 and after which the Roadshow train proceeded to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2(MMA2),Lagos, with scintillating music blaring from the DJ’s sound systems, while a team of dancers comprising of both male and female dance to the tunes with tailored and incredible dance steps.
At GAT, while the NCAA’s Consumer Protection officers were busy distributing fliers to create awareness and educate the departing and arriving passengers, it was fun for the dancers as they displayed a lot of dancing skills that drew the attention of passengers. at the terminal.
At MMA 2, they were welcomed by the officials of the terminal and after which they immediately proceeded to deliver the message of the day to the passengers, who were eagerly waiting to hear from the Consumer Protection officers.
Speaking to journalists on the essence of the Roadshow, Achimugu, said that the aim of today’s event is to enlighten passengers of their rights and responsibility in the event of any disruption of flights such as flight delays cancellations
He highlighted the importance of passengers fulfilling their obligations, adding that the NCAA is educating passengers on their rights as part of its nationwide effort to foster a culture of accountability within the aviation industry.
He informed that the Roadshow initiative will extend to other airports in the country and that Port Harcourt would be on December 1 to ensure wider reach during the peak travel season.
Achimugu stated that this initiative will keep both airlines and passengers informed.
According to him, “This festive season heightens travel demand, and passengers must be aware of their responsibilities.”
Speaking on what passengers must do, Achimugu said, “ For domestic flights passengers must arrive two hours before departures and for international flights , passengers must arrive three hours before the flight departs.”
These guidelines, the NCAA spokesman said, are to ensure seamless flight operations and prevent undue disruptions to flights.
On compensation protocols on the missing luggage, Achimugu said, “If your baggage is missing, the airline must compensate you immediately. For domestic flights, it is N10,000, while international flights attract $170 under NCAA regulations.”
Speaking on unruly passenger behavior, Achimugu stated categorically that NCAA has zero-tolerance for unruly passenger behavior, advising passengers to always exercise patience and report grievances professionally to the appropriate agency at the airport as NCAA’s Consumer Protection desks are located at 23 airports across the county.
Speaking further, Ahimugu said, “Nigerians often claim ignorance of the NCAA’s role in protecting their rights, but we are here for them now. With our Consumer Protection Officers stationed at twenty-three terminals nationwide, passengers can rest assured of immediate assistance.”
He encouraged passengers to identify these officers, who wear uniforms for easy recognition, and approach them for support.
He said the NCAA is using the Roadshow and sensitisation event to foster a collaborative relationship between airlines and passengers.
He hinted that by equipping travellers with knowledge, the NCAA is also ensuring a more harmonious travel experience.
At the intenational terminal of the Lagos Airport, passengers welcome the initiative by NCAA saying that it is the right steps in the right direction .
Some of the passengers who spoke to Ontimenewsng.com on the initiative by NCAA to educate and sensitise passengers , stated that some passengers don’t know their rights, hence when there are issues of flight delays or cancellations they don’t know who to approach or where to report their grievances but that now that NCAA has now taking the initiative to educate both passengers and airlines, both parties will know what they are supposed to do .
A passengers, Bernard Oyetunji, who spoke to our correspondent, said that it is a good initiative but that he hopes Nigerian passengers will take advantage of it and seek redress when their flights are delayed or cancelled without any explanations from airlines
He added that one of the challenges of passengers in Nigeria is that they dont pursue their case diligently as it is done in other aviation climes
About The Author
