The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, to address the alarming rise in flight delays and cancellations affecting air travel across the country.
This decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, during Wednesday’s plenary. Buhari highlighted the growing public outcry over airline inefficiencies, noting that these disruptions negatively impact business, official engagements, and other time-sensitive activities.
“Air travel is a reliable mode of transportation, especially for time-bound engagements. However, these unwarranted delays and cancellations are counterproductive to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Buhari remarked.
The Senate also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of consumer protection regulations outlined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Regulations of 2023. Many Nigerians remain unaware of their rights to compensation for delays, prompting calls for greater public awareness and regulatory action.
Prominent senators, including Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, voiced support for the motion. The Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to engage with the Minister, NCAA Director General, airline operators, and other stakeholders to uncover the root causes of the issues and propose lasting solutions.
As Nigeria strives for economic diversification and increased foreign investment, the Senate underscored the importance of maintaining global best practices in its aviation sector to sustain investor confidence and passenger satisfaction.
