Nigerian Aviation Sector: A Systemic Failure Demanding Immediate Intervention

By Dr. Joseph Tedwins Emudainohwo

As a regular user of our airports and our local airlines, I have, with increasing dismay, borne witness to the systemic dysfunction that relentlessly plagues Nigeria’s aviation sector.

This crisis, far from an isolated incident, was starkly illuminated by the recent ordeal of Senator Adams Oshiomhole. His experience, amplified by his public standing, serves as a poignant microcosm of the daily exploitation and brazen disregard for passenger rights that has become the unfortunate norm in Nigerian airports. It is a narrative that, corroborated by extensive reports and a palpable public outcry, before, and especially since early 2023, paints a grim and undeniable picture of an industry in urgent need of radical reform.

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The incidents recounted by Senator Oshiomhole – his denial of boarding despite timely arrival and online check-in; the arbitrary shift in check-in deadlines; and the brazen sale of tickets at exorbitant rates while pre-booked passengers are left stranded, are not anomalous occurrences. They are symptomatic of a deeply flawed operational environment – one that tragically deviates significantly from global best practices.

In mature aviation markets, passenger rights are sacrosanct. Regulations such as EU261 in Europe, for instance, mandate significant compensation for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, with strict timelines for resolution. Airlines face substantial fines for non-compliance, and transparent, effective complaint resolution mechanisms, often involving independent ombudsmen, are readily available. The global emphasis is on proactive communication, seamless re-accommodation, and fair compensation, not on leveraging passenger distress for financial gain.

Yet, here in Nigeria, despite the existence of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 2023 and the Montreal Convention, which ostensibly provide for passenger rights, these regulations are routinely flouted. Airlines frequently deny boarding for flights that are demonstrably not full, only to sell those same seats at premium prices. Compensation for flight disruptions is a myth, rarely, if ever, dispensed, leaving passengers to bear the full financial brunt of airline inefficiency.

The glaring absence of readily accessible and effective complaint mechanisms, coupled with the apparent lack of punitive action against errant airlines, regrettably fosters an environment of unbridled impunity.

This insidious disregard for passenger welfare extends beyond the airlines themselves to the very arteries of our aviation system – the airports and it’s supervisors.

Nigerian airports, unfortunately, have become synonymous with touting, harassment, and unofficial transactions. Despite pronouncements from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) urging passengers to report extortion, the problem persists, a cancerous growth undermining both security and operational integrity.

From illicit charges for luggage handling to pressure for “sorting out” imaginary issues, the airport environment is often chaotic, unwelcoming, and ripe for exploitation. The involvement of airport staff in these fraudulent activities further compounds the issue, transforming what should be a secure gateway into a marketplace of corruption. Globally, efficient airports prioritize seamless passenger flow, security, and a professional environment. Touting is simply non-existent; all transactions are official and transparent. Clear signage, impeccably trained staff, and automated processes minimize human interaction points where illicit activities can thrive. Security personnel are singularly focused on security, not on facilitating unofficial dealings. The contrast is stark – a painful reminder of how far Nigeria lags behind in seamless aviation processes.

At the heart of this systemic malaise lies a critical failure of regulatory oversight and enforcement. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), our primary regulatory body, appears to be failing significantly in its oversight duties. Despite numerous reports of airline misconduct, there is a perceived lack of decisive action, a regulatory paralysis that emboldens exploitation. Senator Oshiomhole’s personal observation of airline staff openly manipulating policies to extort passengers underscores a fundamental breakdown in regulatory enforcement. The Minister’s frequent press conferences touting achievements ring hollow when confronted with the daily realities faced by our passengers. The pervasive sentiment that “regulatory agencies are all compromising” speaks volumes about the depth of the problem. While it is so, it becomes appalling that a national inquiry into the unfortunate situation is yet to be instituted.

Contrast this with regulatory bodies like the FAA in the USA or EASA in Europe, which maintain stringent oversight, conducting regular audits, investigations, and imposing hefty penalties for non-compliance. They proactively monitor airline performance, consumer complaints, and market practices to ensure fair competition and strict adherence to safety and consumer protection standards. Their focus is on a robust regulatory framework that deters misconduct and ensures accountability, a blueprint that Nigeria appears to have tragically misplaced.

Adding to this complex web of failures are the deeply unethical business practices of some airline operators. The alleged practice of “selling tickets on the spot at higher prices” while denying boarding to those with lower-priced, pre-booked tickets is a predatory and unconscionable business model. This “ruthless, primitive capitalism,” as so aptly described by Senator Oshiomhole, leverages a captive market and weak regulation to maximize profits at the expense of passenger convenience and financial well-being. The utter lack of transparency in pricing and the arbitrary application of check-in rules are hallmarks of this exploitation.

Reputable airlines worldwide, conversely, adhere to published fare rules, transparent pricing, and consistent application of policies. While dynamic pricing exists, it is typically based on legitimate demand and availability, not on a deliberate strategy to extort stranded passengers. Overbooking, when it occurs, is managed with clear compensation policies and priority re-accommodation. Customer service is perceived as a competitive advantage, not an afterthought.

Now, let me turn my gaze to a particularly damning indictment of the current aviation leadership, vis-a-vis, the underutilization of the Osubi Airport, located conspicuously in the home state (Delta) of the present Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. With only two airlines operating and many Deltans forced to travel significant distances to Asaba or even Benin City for flights, it glaringly highlights a profound failure in strategic planning and infrastructure development.

The well-known reason cited for its gross underutilization has been the runway size. But then, that should have been addressed years ago, or at the very least, been a top priority for a Minister who prides himself on progress and hails from the very state it serves. If the federal government can budget significant sums for the upgrading of other airports across the country, what exactly is the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development – a native son of Delta State, doing to ensure that Deltans can enjoy the benefits of a modern, fully functional airport facility on their home soil? This situation reflects a broader, more troubling issue – a profound disconnect between ministerial pronouncements and tangible improvements on the ground. A truly effective Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development would prioritize the viability and accessibility of all airports, especially those with clear economic potential.

The fact that citizens in the Minister’s own backyard are underserved speaks volumes about the holistic neglect of the sector. The reliance on Osubi’s runway size as a perpetual excuse, rather than a challenge to be overcome through decisive infrastructure investment and collaborative effort, indicates a distressing lack of decisive action and perhaps, a personal commitment to the progress of his own people. This isn’t just local neglect; it’s a national strategic oversight that wastes resources and hinders regional economic growth.

Leadership demands tangible results, proactive intervention, and holding errant operators and regulators accountable. The NCAA’s apparent laxity in enforcing passenger rights and imposing meaningful sanctions is a primary enabler of current exploitation. Airline operators, despite operating in a challenging environment, must be held accountable for their reported practices of denying boarding for pecuniary gain. FAAN, responsible for airport management, has undeniably failed to curb the pervasive issue of touting within airport premises.

The blame for the current state of affairs at Nigerian airports is multi-faceted, yet responsibility ultimately rests at the highest levels of oversight and operation. The Minister, as the political head of the sector, bears ultimate responsibility for policy direction, regulatory effectiveness, and overall performance. His purported self-praise rings hollow in the face of widespread complaints of extortion and poor customer service. Perhaps, if he would spend more of his time at his duty post, rather than devote most of his time getting involved in unnecessary political issues, he would have known how low the aviation sector is dipping.

The path forward demands decisive action and a clear departure from mere rhetoric. We must embark upon a comprehensive strengthening of regulatory enforcement, transforming the NCAA into a truly proactive and punitive body. This means moving beyond reactive measures to conduct regular, unannounced audits of airline operations, focusing particularly on check-in procedures and denied boarding instances. Fines for non-compliance with passenger rights regulations must be significantly increased and strictly enforced, with repeated offenses leading to suspension or even revocation of operating licenses. Furthermore, establishing an independent, easily accessible ombudsman service specifically for aviation passenger complaints, with clear authority to mediate disputes and enforce compensation, is crucial. This body should have transparent timelines for resolution and the power to mandate data publication on flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, along with compensation provided.

Simultaneously, we must initiate a radical reform of FAAN to enhance airport security and professionalism. This requires a strict zero-tolerance policy for touting and unofficial transactions within airport premises, backed by severe consequences for both perpetrators and complicit staff. Deploying advanced CCTV and surveillance systems, coupled with dedicated anti-touting units, will be vital. Comprehensive re-orientation and customer service training for all airport personnel, emphasizing professionalism, ethical conduct, and passenger-centric service, is long overdue. Streamlining processes through automation, such as self-check-in kiosks, will minimize opportunities for illicit transactions.

Airlines, too, must be compelled to adopt ethical business practices. This includes strict enforcement of mandatory compensation schemes for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, aligning with international standards, with clear and timely payment mechanisms. Airlines must be compelled to clearly publish and consistently adhere to their fare rules, check-in deadlines, and boarding policies, without arbitrary changes. The exploitative practice of “spot selling” at the expense of pre-booked passengers must be explicitly outlawed and heavily penalized, with strong incentives for airlines to re-accommodate stranded passengers on the next available flight without additional charges. Improved communication protocols mandating timely and accurate information to passengers regarding flight status are also essential.

Finally, strategic airport development and utilization must become a core ministerial mandate. The Osubi Airport runway expansion, despite being in the Minister’s backyard, remains a critical infrastructural deficiency that directly impacts economic activity and passenger convenience in a significant part of Delta State. This must be prioritized and fast-tracked. A holistic approach to airport development, identifying potential regional hubs and investing in necessary infrastructure upgrades to optimize connectivity, will reduce the need for excessive travel to major airports. Exploring viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for airport development and management could inject private sector efficiency and capital into these crucial infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, a thorough legislative review is necessary to strengthen existing aviation laws and regulations, ensuring they are robust enough to deter exploitation and align with global best practices. This may involve increasing the powers of the NCAA and enhancing consumer protection provisions.

The current situation in Nigerian aviation is untenable. It undermines our national image, stifles economic activity, and, most importantly, inflicts undue hardship on our citizens. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development cannot merely pride himself on rhetoric; he must demonstrate a firm and decisive commitment to systemic reform. The time for “fanciful press conferences” is over; the time for decisive action to protect Nigerians and restore sanity to the aviation sector is now. Failure to act will only exacerbate the existing challenges, pushing Nigerian aviation further into disrepute and potentially leading to the “public anger and unrest” that Senator Oshiomhole so rightly warned against.