From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern directive to both local and international airlines operating in Nigeria to comply with the First Need compensation policy for cases involving short-landed baggage, warning that defaulters will face sanctions.
Short-landed baggage refers to checked luggage that fails to arrive on the same flight as the passenger and is instead delivered later, often due to oversight or operational lapses at the origin airport.
Under Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 2023, affected domestic passengers are entitled to a compensation of ₦10,000, while international passengers must be paid $170 to enable them to purchase essential personal items pending the arrival of their baggage.
Addressing regional managers of domestic airlines during a meeting at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, emphasised the need for strict adherence to the regulations.
Achimugu expressed dissatisfaction with the low level of compliance from airlines despite previous communications from the Authority.
“This engagement should ideally be the final conversation we have on this issue.
“The Civil Aviation Authority has sent letters to the airlines on First Need compensation, but many have failed to comply”, Achimugu stated.
He added, “The regulations are not ambiguous. It’s either there’s willful disregard or a communication breakdown.
I’ve spoken to some station managers who appeared unaware of this requirement, which is why we decided to have this direct conversation with you”.
Achimugu reiterated that under the current regulation, airlines must not only pay the stipulated compensation to affected passengers but must also ensure that the short-landed baggage is delivered to the passenger’s preferred address within seven days at no additional cost.
He condemned the ongoing practice of asking passengers to come to the airport to retrieve delayed baggage.
“Many passengers are unaware of their rights, and that’s being exploited. From now on, the regulation must be fully implemented”, he warned.
He acknowledged the operational challenges facing domestic airlines, including thin profit margins and capacity constraints, but maintained that these do not excuse regulatory violations.
“We understand the pressures on the airlines, and we are committed to supporting the industry. However, compliance with the law is not negotiable”, he reiterated.
Also speaking at the session, Senior Special Assistant to the Director General of the NCAA, Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, explained that passengers were also entitled to additional compensation if their baggage is delayed for an extended period.
However, such claims must be backed with receipts for necessary items purchased due to the inconvenience caused, she added.
In response, airline representatives at the meeting appealed to the NCAA to engage with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and terminal operators to urgently address infrastructure challenges such as broken conveyor belts, which contribute significantly to baggage mishandling and delays.
Part 19 of the Civil Aviation Regulations comprehensively outlines passengers’ rights in situations involving flight delays, cancellations, overbooking, and baggage mishandling, reaffirming NCAA’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring world-class standards across the aviation sector.
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