*Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, reportedly reminds the affected airlines that ‘cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Tickets purchased by electronic transfer, mobile apps, internet banking, etc., must be refunded within 14 days’

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As a significant component of the regulatory agency鈥檚 consumer protection plan, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it will sanction erring airlines delaying ticket refunds to air travellers.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, who stated this emphasised ticket refund compliance as “a crucial part of the agency鈥檚 consumer protection plan”, according to report.

Achimugu also explained the measure is in accordance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations of 2023.

The aviation regulator noted: 鈥淕oing forward, Airlines that fail to pay refunds within the timeframe stipulated by the NCAA regulations 2023 will be sanctioned.”

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection further said “cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. “Tickets purchased by electronic transfer, mobile apps, internet banking, etc must be refunded within 14 days.鈥�

He equally stated: “This is not hot air. The Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA has done a lot to sensitise passengers and protect the business of operators.

“The time has come for airlines to repay the good faith and support they have gotten from the regulator.”

Achimugu said: 鈥淥ur CPOs have received instructions not to chase down airlines to comply with the regulations. “Every case of non-compliance will be met with adequate sanctions.

鈥淣ot a single airline will say that they have not been given a listening ear. The Authority has been balanced.”

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection also noted: “Apologies to passengers whose refunds have taken longer than necessary. It is not ideal.

“Personally, I am pursuing a review of the regulations to cut the timeframe to 7 days.

“It is doable. Nigerian passengers deserve world-class service.”