The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and airline operators to address the ongoing issues of flight delays and cancellations in the country. This move follows a motion raised by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari, who expressed concerns over the increasing frequency of flight disruptions and their negative impact on the country’s socio-economic growth.
Buhari emphasized that air travel is a crucial means of transportation, often used for business, official duties, and time-sensitive appointments. He noted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is empowered to oversee the aviation industry and ensure that airline operators adhere to international standards.
The Senate also pointed out 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. Furthermore, the lawmakers noted that many Nigerians are unaware of their right to compensation for lost time due to delays, and the NCAA needs to activate regulations to hold airline operators accountable.
Keyamo, the Director-General of the NCAA, airline operators, and other relevant stakeholders have been called to address the issue and provide solutions to the persistent flight delays and cancellations.