T
he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria police, is to prosecute a passenger, who was alleged to have smoked on a South African Airways flight between Johannesburg and Lagos last week.
According to Sam Adurogboye, NCAA spokesman, the passenger (names withheld) was on board a South African Airways 060 from Johannesburg to Lagos and was alleged to be smoking on board the aircraft in contravention of Section 58 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, Part.17.97.2 (a) and (c) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation 2012 (Nig.CARs).
“An unruly passenger who resorted to smoking on board an aircraft in abeyance to civil aviation regulations has been handed over to the police for prosecution.
“This culprit however, failed to adhere to civil aviation warning. Therefore; the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will collaborate with the Police to ensure prosecution”, he said.
In line with Part 20.2.3.42 of the Nig.CARs, the stipulated penalty for smoking on board an aircraft is imprisonment of not less than two months.
It is important to note that according to the Regulations, all airlines should and must as part of pre-flight formalities announce that smoking is prohibited anywhere in the cabin including the toilet.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is committed to follow this case to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrence to others who possess the penchant to flout the Authority’s regulations.
“In addition, our Directorate of Consumer Protection (DCP) has been strengthened to ensure passengers get full value for their money and comfort”, he added.
By : Sade Williams
