The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has outlined its key 2024 objectives, including ensuring safe and secure airspace, promoting sustainable aviation fuels, enhancing airline operations, and protecting passenger rights.
Acting Director General Captain Chris Najomo assured Nigerians of total radar coverage of the nation’s airspace, backed by Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, with additional installations planned for five other locations.
He dismissed allegations of insecurity, attributing recent airspace violations in Abuja to adverse weather conditions.
The NCAA is also prioritizing the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
SAF, derived from renewable resources like agricultural residues and waste, is aimed at reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.On operational improvements, the NCAA commenced a comprehensive safety and economic audit of private jet operations and suspended Mattini Airline Services Limited following a runway incident at Ibadan Airport.
Passengers’ rights remain central to NCAA’s agenda, with intensified efforts to enforce consumer protection regulations.
The Authority urged passengers to familiarize themselves with Part 19 of the NCAA regulations, outlining compensation timelines for issues such as delayed luggage and ticket refunds. Airlines face fines of up to ₦5 million for non-compliance with refund rules.
The NCAA also warned against false claims by passengers, which attract penalties ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million or a jail term of up to one year.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving service quality, enforcing airlines’ obligations, and addressing flight disruptions.
The authority stressed its zero-tolerance policy for poor customer service, calling on airlines to optimize flight schedules and ensure dignified treatment of persons with reduced mobility. Errant operators risk sanctions as the Authority ramps up surveillance and enforcement.
These measures underscore the NCAA’s drive to enhance safety, sustainability, and service quality in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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