Senate Questions Keyamo Over Ongoing Flight Delays And Concerns

Senate Questions Keyamo Over Ongoing Flight Delays And ConcernsThe Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, along with Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and key stakeholders in the airline industry to address the increasing problem of flight delays and cancellations across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The motion, introduced by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) during Wednesday’s plenary, urges the Senate Committee on Aviation to investigate the underlying causes of these persistent disruptions in air travel and propose sustainable solutions.

A recent report by The PUNCH revealed that between January and June of this year, nearly 2,000 passengers lost over 19,000 pieces of luggage. Additionally, data from the NCAA’s half-year report highlighted that more than 19,000 passengers experienced significant delays.

In his motion, Senator Buhari expressed concern that the rise in flight delays and cancellations had been widely reported in the media. “This situation is troubling because air travel is considered one of the most reliable and efficient modes of transport, especially for business and official purposes, where time is often of the essence,” he stated.

Buhari warned that continued disruptions could harm the country’s socio-economic progress. “Unnecessary flight delays and cancellations would be detrimental to the growth and development of our economy,” he emphasized.

The senator also pointed out that the NCAA, as outlined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, is legally tasked with overseeing the aviation sector and ensuring that airlines adhere to international standards. The NCAA is also responsible for safeguarding passengers’ rights, ensuring they receive fair value for the services they pay for.

He noted that while the 2023 Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations include provisions for consumer protection, enforcement has been lax. Many Nigerians remain unaware of their right to compensation for delays, highlighting the need for the NCAA to actively enforce these regulations to hold airlines accountable.

Buhari added, “The government’s push for economic diversification and foreign direct investment will remain unattainable if the aviation sector fails to meet global best practices.

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