The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and airline operators for questioning over the ongoing issues of flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria.
The invitation was sequel to a motion moved on Wednesday by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari.
In his motion, Buhari expressed concerns over the increasing frequency of flight delays and cancellations, highlighting their negative impact.
He referenced numerous media reports that had exposed the persistent delays and cancellations by airline operators in Nigeria, noting that such disruptions were detrimental to the country’s socio-economic growth and development.
Buhari emphasised that air travel is one of the most reliable and efficient means of transportation, often used for business, official duties, and time-sensitive appointments.
Consequently, unnecessary flight delays and cancellations are counterproductive to the country’s progress.
“The Senate recognizes that this situation is troubling, particularly since air travel plays a vital role in the timely execution of business and official engagements,” Buhari said.
He further stated that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as per the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, is empowered to oversee the aviation industry and ensure that airline operators adhere to international standards, offering fair services to customers.
The Senate also noted that the ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign direct investment could be hindered if Nigeria’s aviation sector does not meet global best practices.
The lawmakers pointed out that Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023 addresses consumer protection in the aviation industry, but enforcement remains a challenge.
The lawmakers noted that many Nigerians are unaware of their right to compensation for lost time due to delays, and as a result, the NCAA needs to activate these regulations to hold airline operators accountable.
Following discussions, the Senate has called on Keyamo, the Director-General of the NCAA, airline operators, and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue.