Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned domestic airlines against misleading passengers with claims that ticket refunds take up to four weeks, insisting that such practices violate existing aviation regulations.
In a statement issued on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, reminded operators that under Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, airlines are required to process ticket refunds within 14 days for electronic transactions and immediately for cash purchases.
“Domestic airlines need to stop telling passengers that their refund process takes four weeks. The regulations are clear about the timeframe for ticket refunds, and it is 14 days. Operators cannot create a different rule in this regard,” Achimugu wrote.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe urged passengers who encounter such delays to escalate complaints directly to the NCAA via michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng, ifueko.abdulmalik@ncaa.gov.ng, or cpd@ncaa.gov.ng, warning that the agency would not tolerate any attempt by airlines to undermine its authority or frustrate passengers’ rights.
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Achimugu added, “Enough of this. We cannot all claim to be working for the improvement of the industry and be duplicating rules in a manner that undermines the Authority and is unfair to passengers.”
The NCAA’s renewed stance follows a surge in refund-related complaints from air travellers, particularly those involving delays and communication lapses by domestic carriers.
Between January and August 2025, refund claims by Nigerian airlines reportedly exceeded ₦257 million, with Achimugu noting that the authority had been intervening in several cases through social media and direct consumer engagement.
The regulator reiterated its commitment to protecting passengers’ rights and ensuring full compliance with aviation consumer protection standards across the industry.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
