News
FG to sanction airlines over delayed ticket refunds
The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is out to sanction airlines over inability to make refunds for cancelled or delayed flights spanning more than five hours.
The aviation body’s stance is against the backdrop of a barrage of complaints by travellers against the erring airlines amid varying practices by airlines that have taken the joy out of air travel, including skyrocketing airfares.
The agency said failure to comply with Part 19 of NCAA regulations will, henceforth, attract immediate sanctions.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimug, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, warned that airlines that fail to pay refunds within the stipulated time frame of 14 days of the NCAA regulations 2023 will attract immediate sanction.
He explained that he had spent an entire year engaging airlines, listening to their challenges, and partnering with them to give passengers a better travel experience.
Achimug added that while most airlines have been responsive, others have refused to comply with regulations on passengers’ rights, stressing that the relationship between operators and the regulator has worked better than in the past and this is good for passengers.
He chided Air Peace in particular for the delay in refunding passengers, just as he directed the airline to make a refund to passengers, saying 14 days had long elapsed.
His words, “This is not hot air. The Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA has done a lot to sensitise passengers and the business of operators. The time has come for airlines to repay the good faith and support they have gotten from the regulator.”
“Our CPOs have received instructions not to chase down airlines to comply with the regulations. Every case of non-compliance will be met with adequate sanctions. Not a single airline will say that they have not been given a listening ear.”
The Authority has been balanced.”
“Apologies to passengers whose refunds have taken longer than necessary. It is not ideal. I am pursuing a review of the regulations to cut the timeframe to seven days. It is doable. Nigerian passengers deserve world-class service.”
Achimugu further stated that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, have been very supportive of operators, especially domestic airlines, noting that this is well-captured in the Minister’s 5-point agenda.
He said, “It is imperative, therefore, that airlines do right, if not by these two incredible public servants, then by the passengers who patronise their businesses. The challenges faced by airlines are manifold. Not nearly all delays and cancellations are their fault, but they have shouldered the blame.
“I have spoken in support of operators because, given the peculiar environment, they are doing a lot and must be supported. My department’s intervention has seen airlines pay full refunds, 25 per cent rebates, and even 50 per cent rebates.
“But there are areas where they ought to do much better, and paying refunds within the stipulated time frame is one of the low-hanging fruits. Passengers may not always understand the back end of things, but when it is determined that they are due a refund, it should be done seamlessly.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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