NCAA talks tough on visa checks, partners with Wakanow over passenger protection

CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO,

Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , Capt Chris Najomo, has stressed the urgency of stricter visa verification and improved consumer protection compliance as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority deepens engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen passenger protection and operational accountability.

Capt. Najomo made the declaration while receiving a delegation from Wakanow, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adenike Macaulay, during a strategic courtesy visit to the Authority’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the delegation, the DGCA stressed that while the Authority remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment within Nigeria’s aviation sector, operators must not sacrifice regulatory compliance, particularly in areas affecting passenger welfare.

He highlighted visa verification as a growing concern, noting that cases of travellers being denied entry at foreign destinations due to invalid or incomplete travel documentation continue to create operational disruptions and financial losses for both passengers and service providers.

Reinforcing the Authority’s position, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, warned that compliance with Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 remains non-negotiable, particularly as it aligns with the aviation reform agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

He emphasized that travel operators are legally bound to resolve passenger complaints promptly, reiterating that refund processing and dispute resolution must be completed within 14 days, in accordance with established regulatory timelines.

Also speaking, Director of Air Transport Regulation, Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, acknowledged Wakanow’s contributions to Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector but urged the company to deepen collaboration with regulators to build a more transparent, resilient, and customer-focused aviation ecosystem.

Earlier, Macaulay raised concerns over the rising number of passengers who purchase tickets without securing valid visas, leading to travel denials and costly repatriations. She appealed for enhanced data-sharing cooperation with the Authority, assuring regulators of Wakanow’s commitment to resolving operational challenges and maintaining full compliance with aviation standards.