Presidency Proposes Tougher Sanctions on Airlines for Delays and Cancellations.

The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), led by Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, has proposed a thorough review of the draft policy regarding sanctions for airlines. This proposal has been directed to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Usman emphasized the need for this review, citing the alarming increase in flight delays and cancellations that negatively impact passengers. She stated that it is crucial to address and revise the policy promptly.

This recommendation was made during the Q1–Q3 2024 performance assessment report on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

In a statement released via its Twitter handle yesterday, CRDCU also mentioned that Usman suggested revising the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints. She argued that this timeframe is unrealistic and should be amended urgently to align with global best practices.

According to the statement: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

“The first engagement of the day was held at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, where the special adviser met with the minister, Festus Keyamo; the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

“The special adviser commended the minister and leadership of the ministry for ensuring progress within the sector.

‘’However, she expressed concerns with the ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving certain deliverables.

‘’She also highlighted the ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder and customer engagement, a key deliverable that also requires urgent improvement.

“The special adviser recommended that the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines.

‘’She described this as critical, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.

‘’She further recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and in need of urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.”

“Following the presentation of the ministry’s performance scorecard for Q1–Q3 2024, the minister expressed his appreciation to the special adviser for her diligent work and guidance.

“He assured her that the ministry would address the highlighted challenges and intensify efforts to improve performance and service delivery in the aviation sector.”