Lagos, Nigeria – Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, has accepted sanctions from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after his airline was found to have violated consumer protection regulations. He acknowledged the errors made by his staff and vowed to ensure better compliance with aviation rules in the future.
The NCAA recently announced penalties against five airlines, including Air Peace, for failing to adhere to the 2023 Consumer Protection Regulations. This announcement was shared by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, revealed that Onyema openly admitted to the violations. Speaking about the issue, Onyema assured the public that his team has been cautioned to meet all regulatory standards, especially regarding timely passenger refunds.
Onyema expressed his support for the NCAA’s actions, saying, “I will always admit when we are at fault. This proves the NCAA is doing the right thing.”
This enforcement marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in over a decade that the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department has sanctioned airlines for such violations. Najomo emphasized that the NCAA is committed to holding airlines accountable while protecting passenger rights.
“It will no longer be business as usual. We will continue to serve as impartial arbiters for both airlines and passengers,” Najomo stated. He also praised Onyema for his cooperation and dedication to resolving the issues.
In a related development, Ethiopian Airlines also confirmed its readiness to comply with NCAA regulations after receiving a similar enforcement notice. The airline has pledged to submit a compliance report promptly.
The NCAA’s strict actions reflect its commitment to improving oversight in Nigeria’s aviation sector, ensuring accountability, and protecting consumer rights.