Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: NCAA

  • Aviation Regulator Pushes Back as Airlines Blame Taxes for Rising Airfares

    Aviation Regulator Pushes Back as Airlines Blame Taxes for Rising Airfares

    2025-12-30 09:30:00

    Reporting by Punch indicates the NCAA challenged claims that multiple taxes are the main driver of high airfares, as public debate grew around new tax laws and ticket pricing.

    The row followed warnings by Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema that aviation costs could worsen and fares could rise sharply if tax burdens persist.

    Regulators and tax-reform officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify and reduce certain burdens, while operators insist the broader levy-and-charge ecosystem remains heavy.

    Vanguard quoted Onyema saying, “The Nigerian airlines are heavily overburdened by taxes, levies and all manner of charges.” P.M. News quoted Taiwo Oyedele saying, “Eliminating this burden is a major structural relief for the sector,” as he explained tax changes affecting aviation.

    Echotitbits take: This will turn into a data contest—operators will cite cashflow strain, regulators will cite reform details. Watch for NCAA’s consumer-protection actions and a clear aviation-specific implementation note on VAT/WHT and leasing-related taxes.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/airfares-hike-ncaa-tackles-air-peace-boss-rejects-tax-claim/)

    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Air Peace Rejects Barbados Diversion Claims as Stranded Passenger Story Spreads

    Air Peace Rejects Barbados Diversion Claims as Stranded Passenger Story Spreads

    2025-12-30 14:00:00

    According to Punch, passengers alleged they bought Lagos–Kingston tickets but were diverted to Barbados and later detained and deported—claims the airline disputed, insisting rerouting was voluntary and refunds were offered where applicable.

    The story centres on documentation and transit-visa issues, route-change communication at check-in, and what happened after arrival when onward connections were missed.

    The incident has quickly become a diaspora-travel flashpoint, raising questions about disclosure standards, passenger rights and handling of irregular operations on complex itineraries.

    The Guardian reported passengers claimed diversion was announced without prior notice, adding an airline spokesperson promised to respond “soon.” FIJ quoted an affected passenger saying, “Despite holding a valid Jamaican visa, I was forced to travel to a country with which I had no prior connection…”

    Echotitbits take: This could become a benchmark consumer-protection case. Watch NCAA’s findings, whether refunds/rerouting commitments are documented, and tighter ticketing disclosures for ‘via’ itineraries across Nigerian carriers.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/25-air-peace-passengers-stranded-in-barbados-airline-defends-self/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=auto-read-also)

    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures cited by Punch show Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema says the airline recorded 49 bird strikes in 2025, describing the incidents as a costly operational hazard that can ground aircraft and disrupt schedules.

    In related appearances, Onyema also complained about what he sees as disproportionate pressure on local carriers, citing taxes, compliance costs and agency actions as compounding the burden.

    ARISE News reported the comments, stressing that bird strikes can trigger maintenance downtime and cascading delays, especially when spare parts and replacement aircraft are limited.

    The disagreement adds to public debate over airfares, consumer protection scrutiny and the balance between safety enforcement and airline viability.

    ARISE quoted Onyema: “Air Peace has had 49 bird strikes…,” while Punch reported he said the strikes caused “serious operational setbacks.”

    Echotitbits take: Bird strikes are real, but passengers will ask what mitigation looks like—airport wildlife control, runway management and transparent incident reporting. Watch for FAAN/NCAA data disclosures and joint industry safety steps.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/air-peace-recorded-49-bird-strikes-in-2025-allen-onyema/#google_vignette – December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-27 07:01:00

    Reporting by The Nation indicates a ground-handling incident at the Lagos airport damaged a newly inducted Air Peace aircraft, forcing operational disruptions and knock-on delays for passengers.

    The incident involved ground equipment contacting the aircraft while passengers were already boarded, with the airline stressing that modern engine-area repairs can be extremely costly and time-consuming.

    Air Peace’s position is that such disruptions are not only a service failure to customers, but also a financial burden—especially when damage affects sensitive aircraft components and schedules across multiple routes.

    The episode adds to recurring tension in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem: airlines want stricter accountability for handlers, while regulators face pressure to enforce safety and compensation standards.

    Punch corroborated the development, reporting that a “ground handling vehicle damaged a new Air Peace aircraft,” while Air Peace spokesman Mike Achimugu said, “a ground handler’s conveyor belt hit the aircraft, causing damage.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Expect sharper scrutiny of handler competence, equipment condition, and ramp safety rules at major airports. What to watch next: whether the responsible handler faces penalties, and whether Air Peace pursues claims that set a stronger precedent for industry liability.

    Source: The Nation — December 26, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/ground-handling-equipment-damages-air-peaces-new-aircraft/)
    The Nation December 26, 2025

  • Aviation Ministry Shakes Up NCAA Directorates as Corruption Claims Trigger Safety Fears

    Aviation Ministry Shakes Up NCAA Directorates as Corruption Claims Trigger Safety Fears

    Photo Credit: The Punch 

    2025-12-26 06:50:00

    Reporting by *PUNCH* indicates that the Aviation Ministry has moved directors within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) amid allegations that raised safety concerns and questions about oversight effectiveness.

    The minister signaled that the issue goes beyond politics: aviation risk is reputation risk, and public allegations—if left unanswered—can undermine confidence among airlines, insurers, and international regulators.

    The reshuffle is also a test of governance in a sector where enforcement credibility matters: weak oversight can translate into operational shortcuts, maintenance risks, and regulatory arbitrage.

    Stakeholders now expect clearer disclosure on the investigation scope, timelines, and whether disciplinary measures will follow the administrative redeployments.

    *The Guardian* reported the reshuffle “may not be unconnected with allegations of inefficiency and compromised oversight,” while *TrustRadio* said the move “followed some regulatory lapses brought to his attention.”

    Echotitbits take: Reshuffles can be cosmetic unless paired with transparent findings and enforcement. What to watch: whether the ministry publishes a clear incident-and-controls review, and whether NCAA processes are tightened rather than simply reassigning personnel.

    Source: The Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-reshuffles-ncaa-directors-amid-corruption-allegations/)

    Photo credit/source: The Punch
    The Punch 2025-12-26

  • Passenger Wins: NCAA Says Airlines Paid Back Over N1bn in Refunds

    Passenger Wins: NCAA Says Airlines Paid Back Over N1bn in Refunds

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-25 09:35:00

    In an interview carried by The Punch, the NCAA says it has pushed airlines to refund passengers more consistently, disclosing over N1 billion paid back as consumer protection enforcement tightened. The regulator framed the outcome as proof that complaint systems and airline accountability are improving.

    The refunds reportedly covered delays, cancellations, and service failures where passengers were entitled to compensation under applicable rules, with the NCAA urging travelers to document complaints and use official channels rather than social-media outrage alone.

    For airlines, the development signals rising enforcement costs for poor reliability, potentially encouraging better schedule discipline, passenger communication, and quicker re-accommodation processes during disruptions.

    In additional reporting, The Guardian quoted the NCAA saying it recorded the “highest volume of refunds in the agency’s history,” while Daily Trust also reported the same outcome, stating domestic airlines “refunded over N1 billion to passengers” within the stated period.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare win for Nigerian consumers—but sustainability matters. Watch whether NCAA publishes clearer dashboards (refund timelines, penalties, repeat offenders) and whether airlines respond by improving operational reliability rather than just paying refunds after complaints pile up.

    Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/airlines-refund-over-n1bn-as-ncaa-enforces-compliance/)

    The Punch 2025-12-25

  • Chaos at Gombe Airport After Rano Air Cancels Flight

    Chaos at Gombe Airport After Rano Air Cancels Flight

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Passengers at Gombe Airport staged protests after a Rano Air flight was abruptly cancelled, sparking scenes of chaos and heated exchanges with airline staff. Travellers complained of poor communication, lack of compensation and fears of missing critical engagements, including international connections.

    Airport security personnel intervened to restore order as stranded passengers demanded refunds and alternative arrangements. The incident again exposes persistent service‑quality issues in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market and the need for stricter enforcement of passenger‑rights regulations.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Bird Strike Strands United Nigeria Passengers in Abuja

    Bird Strike Strands United Nigeria Passengers in Abuja

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Passengers of United Nigeria Airlines were left stranded at the Abuja airport after a bird strike reportedly damaged an aircraft’s engine, forcing cancellation of a scheduled flight. Frustrated travellers accused the airline of poor communication and inadequate alternative arrangements as they struggled to rebook or secure refunds.

    The incident has reignited concerns about runway wildlife control, safety management and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Regulators are being urged to enforce stricter compensation and communication standards to protect passengers and minimise economic losses from avoidable delays.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The House of Representatives has urged domestic airlines and aviation regulators to reduce airfares ahead of the Yuletide season, warning that current prices are pushing many Nigerians off air travel. Lawmakers argued that high ticket costs, often justified by foreign‑exchange volatility and fuel prices, are undermining mobility and hurting economic activities.

    The House called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies to engage airlines on price moderation and transparency, while exploring incentives that could lower operating costs. The intervention comes as millions prepare for festive travel, with concerns over safety, congestion and affordability.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11