The Senate recently called upon key figures in the aviation sector, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, as well as airline operators and other relevant stakeholders. This summons was in response to the ongoing problem of frequent flight delays and cancellations by airline operators in the country.
A motion put forward by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari during the plenary session prompted the Senate to task its Committee on Aviation with investigating the root causes of these flight disruptions and coming up with effective solutions. Senator Buhari highlighted the growing issue and emphasized the importance of air travel for business, official purposes, and keeping timely appointments.
Senator Buhari stressed that these flight disruptions could hinder the country’s socio-economic development and urged for swift action to address the situation. He also pointed out the regulatory powers of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in ensuring airlines adhere to international standards and provide quality services to customers.
In light of the government’s focus on economic diversification and attracting foreign investment, Senator Buhari emphasized the need for the aviation industry to meet global best practices. He highlighted existing regulations that protect consumers in the aviation sector and called for stricter enforcement to hold airline operators accountable for unnecessary delays and ensure passengers receive compensation for their time.
Overall, the Senate’s call for a thorough investigation and enforcement of regulations aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of air travel in Nigeria for the benefit of both passengers and the country’s economic growth.