‘Stop Deporting Nigerians from Transit’—NCAA Warns Airlines

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to international airlines against the practice of deporting Nigerian passengers midway through their flights. This warning comes after incidents of passengers being denied entry or sent back to Nigeria at transit stops due to visa and travel restrictions.

In a statement released on Thursday, Michael Achimugu, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs for NCAA, condemned the practice, highlighting the significant distress it causes to passengers and the damage it inflicts on the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry. He stressed that airlines are responsible for informing passengers of any potential entry issues before departure.

“These actions are completely unacceptable,” Achimugu stated, referring to the refusal of boarding or denial of entry at intermediate stops. The NCAA emphasized that airlines must provide accurate and up-to-date information on visa and travel document requirements prior to issuing tickets or boarding passengers.

The NCAA cited the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, which mandate airlines to screen passengers effectively and ensure they are informed about entry restrictions. The authority also announced immediate enforcement measures, warning airlines that failure to comply could result in penalties, including fines or even suspension of flight operations.

“This is a critical step to ensure the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry,” Achimugu concluded, urging airlines to prioritize the wellbeing of Nigerian passengers.