The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to each native and worldwide airways in Nigeria to strictly adjust to rules requiring compensation for passengers whose baggage is short-landed.
This refers to checked-in baggage that fails to reach with the passenger however is delivered later.
Under Part 19 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, passengers are entitled to a “First Need” compensation of ₦10,000 for home flights and $170 for worldwide ones.
This cost is supposed to cowl primary wants whereas they wait for his or her baggage.
In a press assertion on Monday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, mentioned the authority would now not tolerate violations.
He said, “This engagement perhaps should be the last time we will have to discuss the issue of this First Need.”
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Achimugu revealed that many airways have been both unaware of or ignoring the rule.
“The regulations are very clear. I met with some station managers who seemed not to be aware of the regulations,” he mentioned, urging airways to ship baggage inside seven days without charge and cease making passengers choose up their baggage.
He acknowledged that home carriers have been making efforts regardless of operational challenges however insisted that “the regulation must be obeyed.”
Also talking, Ifueko Abdulamlik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director General, added that passengers can declare further compensation for extended baggage delays, offered they current receipts for objects bought in the course of the wait.
Airline representatives, in the meantime, urged NCAA to work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and terminal operators to repair damaged baggage belts, which contribute to the delays.
The NCAA reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the rule to guard passenger rights and guarantee compliance with international requirements.
