The NCAA recently sanctioned a domestic airline for extremely delayed refunds. The airline paid the sanction fee, but is still not complying with refund timelines per Part 19 of the NCAA regulations.
We are presently writing a LOI to the airline and may be forced to proceed to newer, stiffer sanctions (subject to the approval of the DGCA) if this scenario does not change quickly.
It is not a great business model to keep your customers in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and despair.
The NCAA will protect the rights of all stakeholders without prejudice.
Refunds, as stipulated by Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, are to be paid within 14 days. If time has elapsed, kindly file a complaint via https://t.co/esof6lf4YV
Watching this tells you how proud one should be of the strict Nigerian airport experience. There is no way the general public will have access to the carousel area. Even arriving passengers cannot just pick a bag and walk away; there is a checking procedure where your bag tags are verified by the airline's officials just after you pick up your luggage. Sometimes, we have criticised our systems, but it works well for our peculiar operating environment.
Better to endure that tiny 'inconvenience' and walk home free, than to end up in prison for a drug crime you did not commit, and for a bag that is not even yours.
What is being exposed in Canada is an eye opener for a worrisome issue happening across various airports in the world.
When I travel, I have always wondered why I can just pick my bag and walk away with nobody checking. The design of some airports make public access to sensitive areas so easy that anybody can walk into the baggage area and steal passengers' bags.
Hopefully, the spotlight on Pearson will bring about stricter access and protection for passenger luggage across the world. We don't want to see innocent persons in prison for crimes they did not commit.
As Nigerians, we must pay attention to the Pearson story because of the experiences our citizens have had abroad.
What I go through often:
A flight is disrupted. Airline staff disappear for fear of violence from passengers. I am alerted and my team and I rush to the airport to stand amidst hundreds of angry passengers. Even though I am not a staff of the airline and I did not cause the disruption, I receive threats of beating๐ข๐ข.
Still, we must deploy professionalism and firmness to resolve these issues, calm frayed nerves, and protect the rights of all parties.
This Saudi Air case tested my patience even more than the United Nigeria case because it involved more passengers (almost 400), and their anger levels were off the roof. It is one of the cases I was very proud to have handled, and till date, some of the passengers still send me texts to appreciate what my team and I did.
Working consumer protection has improved one's mental and psychological awareness, manifested one's in-built empathy, and tested the limits of my endurance. As stressful as it is, it is an absolute pleasure and honour to do this. Humans deserve care and respect. The NCAA cares for, and protects the rights of all passengers and operators.
PS:
Do not ever threaten to beat up an NCAA official. It is unacceptable.
@mikeachimugu01 Itโs only fair to salute and give you credit for how you mediate between the passengers and the airliners. Well done even when some people still think you arenโt doing enough. We see you!
Sir, @NajomoOna your leadership at NCAA is truly inspiring! Training the team for consistent excellence while being the responsive face of public service shows real vision @mikeachimugu01. This impact will outlast any one tenure. Well done, sir! ๐
The new power bank rule is global. It did not begin from Nigeria. Also, power supply at home has little impact on travellers' need for power banks, especially those on long haul flights. Just thought to clarify this.