Frustrated by ongoing flight delays and cancellations, the Senate summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), along with other stakeholders in the aviation sector on Wednesday.
This decision followed the adoption and approval of a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North and serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation.
Senator Buhari while presenting his motion, titled, “Incessant Delayed and cancelled flights by Airline Operators in Nigeria,” recalled media reports of delay and cancellation of flights by Airline operators in Nigeria.
While he noted that the unwholesome development has been on the increase in recent time, he declared that the parliament must rise to the occasion to stem the tide as it is inimical to “the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”
He said: “The Senate notes that this development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable and quicker means of transportation.
“Air travels are often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep to other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bound.
“Therefore, unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.
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“The Senate further notes that as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of the practitioners in the aviation sector, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is statutorily empowered, through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to among other things, provide oversight.
“It also produced guidelines aimed at ensuring that airlines operate within the contemplation of international standards in Nigeria and to ensure that airline customers get value for the services they pay the airlines for.
“The Senate observes that the quests for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of acceptable best practices across the globe.
“The Senate is aware that part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the Civil Aviation industry in Nigeria.
“However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its Regulation so that Airline operators will seat up and be alive to their responsibilities.”
The Red Chamber after submissions by other lawmakers, subsequently mandated its Committee on Aviation to invite the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to interface with its team.
To appear alongside the Aviation Minister are Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority; Airline Operators and other relevant stakeholders.
The Senate further noted that aside from investigating reasons for the persistent flight delays and cancellations, it would also fashion out lasting solutions to the problem.
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