Legal luminaries and aviation stakeholders have called for a strategic reset in how airlines treat travelers, following a high-profile workshop hosted by the Juweirat Law Resource Centre and Synergy Attornies.
The event, themed ‘Air Passengers’ Rights Under the Law: Ethical Obligations and Strategic Compliance,’ served as a critical forum for addressing the systemic gaps in consumer protection within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
A Call for Ethical Compliance
Hosting the event, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, Principal Partner at Synergy Attornies, emphasized that while laws exist to protect travelers, a lack of awareness and ethical compliance by operators remains a major hurdle.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, echoed these sentiments in a keynote address delivered via representatives.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s stance on strengthening regulatory oversight, making it clear that accountability is the cornerstone of a modern aviation sector.
Dissecting the Legal Framework
A panel of distinguished experts, including Michael Achimugu (NCAA), Toyin Bashorun, SAN, Kehinde Ojuawo and Ibrahim Omale, provided deep insights into the rights and obligations of both passengers and airlines.
Key topics included:
The Montreal Convention 1999: A deep dive into this international treaty, which governs airline liability for delays, baggage loss and passenger injury.
The Duty of Care:
Clarifying the mandatory provision of refreshments, meals and hotel accommodation during significant flight disruptions.
Operational Security: Exploring the legal implications of passenger conduct and the jurisdictional complexities of resolving international disputes.
Innovative Solutions for Dispute Resolution
The workshop concluded with a strong call for practical reforms.
In his closing remarks, Owonikoko, urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to consider engaging licensing agents to facilitate the efficient resolution of passenger claims.
Owonikoko, expressed optimism that establishing viable small-claims resolution mechanisms would bypass lengthy litigation, restoring consumer confidence and driving better service delivery across Nigeria’s airspace.
Legal and aviation stakeholders have called for more efficient and structured mechanisms to address passenger complaints and resolve disputes within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The call was made during an aviation-focused engagement hosted by Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, Principal Partner at Synergy Attornies, which brought together key industry players, regulators and legal practitioners to discuss consumer protection and dispute resolution in the sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who was represented at the event by senior officials of the ministry and relevant aviation agencies, highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory frameworks that protect passengers and improve service delivery across the aviation industry.
Also speaking at the event, Michael Achumugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), emphasized the importance of safeguarding passengers’ rights and ensuring that airlines and service providers adhere strictly to established consumer protection regulations.
In his closing remarks, Owonikoko stressed the need for more practical and accessible avenues for resolving passenger complaints and minor disputes, which he said often linger unnecessarily due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to consider engaging licensing agents who could assist in facilitating the resolution of passenger claims and complaints more efficiently.
According to him, establishing clearer pathways for handling consumer grievances and small claims would help decongest existing channels while ensuring that passengers obtain timely remedies when disputes arise.
Owonikoko expressed optimism about the future of structured conflict and small-claims resolution mechanisms in Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that such systems would not only strengthen consumer confidence but also improve accountability among operators within the sector.
Stakeholders at the gathering agreed that effective dispute resolution frameworks would play a critical role in fostering trust between passengers, airlines, and regulatoryh bodies, while contributing to the overall growth and credibility of Nigeria’s aviation industry.