Nollywood actresses applauding the efforts of NCAA at the roadshow
By Sade Williams
As parts of efforts to serve air travellers better and improve the relationship between passengers and airlines, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Monday, organisers a roadshow within the Lagos domestic and International airport.
Led by the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, the roadshow, graced by some Nollywood actors, was to educate passengers on their rights and responsibilities.
The actresses: Chioma Omeruah and Maureen Solomon Okeke commended the NCAA for taking time out to see to the welfare and rights of air travellers.
Speaking during the event, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Directorate of NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, who had earlier announced that, air passengers who had their luggage missing are entitled to immediate compensation of N10, 000 and $170 for local and international passengers respectively, said: “If your baggage is missing, the airline must compensate you immediately. For domestic flights, it is N10,000, while international flights attract $170 under NCAA regulations.”
Achimugu also underscored the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on unruly passenger behavior, urging travellers to exercise patience and report grievances professionally”, Achimugu informed.
The roadshow which saw staff of the agency in T-shirts and jeans with a Fez cap to match ,led by Achimugu, started from the Aviation House to the General Aviation Terminal(GAT) also known as Domestic Terminal 1 and after which the Roadshow train proceeded to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2(MMA2),Lagos, with scintillating music blaring from the DJ’s sound systems, while a team of dancers comprising of both male and female dance to the tunes with tailored and incredible dance steps.
Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu; (m) Addressing members of Consumer Protection and general Public at MM2A, during the Road Show by NCAA Consumer Protection National Stakeholders Summit with theme: ”Repositioning the Nigeria Aviation Industry for Operational Efficiency, Service Excellence and Economic viability: A Renewed and Inclusive regulatory Dialogue. in Lagos on Monday
At GAT, while the NCAA’s Consumer Protection officers were busy distributing fliers to create awareness and educate the departing and arriving passengers, it was fun for the dancers as they displayed a lot of dancing skills that drew the attention of passengers. at the terminal.
At MMA 2, they were welcomed by the officials of the terminal and after which they immediately proceeded to deliver the message of the day to the passengers, who were eagerly waiting to hear from the Consumer Protection officers.
Speaking to journalists on the essence of the Roadshow, Achimugu, said that the aim of today’s event is to enlighten passengers of their rights and responsibility in the event of any disruption of flights such as flight delays cancellations
He highlighted the importance of passengers fulfilling their obligations, adding that the NCAA is educating passengers on their rights as part of its nationwide effort to foster a culture of accountability within the aviation industry.
He informed that the Roadshow initiative will extend to other airports in the country and that Port Harcourt would be on December 1 to ensure wider reach during the peak travel season.
Achimugu stated that this initiative will keep both airlines and passengers informed.
According to him, “This festive season heightens travel demand, and passengers must be aware of their responsibilities.”
Speaking on what passengers must do, Achimugu said, “ For domestic flights passengers must arrive two hours before departures and for international flights , passengers must arrive three hours before the flight departs.”
Commending the NCAA , Chioma who was on ground during the road show said, lack of information has been one of the reasons why some air passengers have problems.
With the awareness being created by NCAA, the actress was of the view that Nigerians would have a better travelling experience.
She said “one of the reasons we have problems is because we don’t have enough information. The NCAA is trying to let us know that we do have rights and responsibilities as air passengers. This is a case of relearning of good behavior and unlearning of bad behavior on the part of the consumers and airlines. And even NCAA because the regulatory agency is also looking at what they are doing. What NCAA is doing right now is amazing because as a passenger I have experienced a lot of flight distruptions and I never knew where to go. I didn’t know I could approach NCAA because I wasn’t aware.
Speaking further, Achimugu said the roadshow was a way to create awareness for the various rights and responsibilities that air passengers have in the country.
According to Achimugu, NCAA educates passengers on rights as part of its nationwide effort to foster a culture of accountability within the aviation industry.
