The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has vowed to impose stiff sanctions on Qatar Airways over the alleged mistreatment of a Nigerian passenger and repeated disregard for the country’s aviation regulations.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, revealed the move in a statement posted Friday on his official X account.
Achimugu recounted a recent incident in which a Nigerian passenger was accused by a Qatar Airways cabin crew member of sexual harassment while boarding a flight from Lagos to the United States via Doha.
According to him, the incident was never reported in Lagos. Instead, upon arrival in Doha, the crew member lodged a complaint that led to the passenger’s arrest, 18-hour detention, and a fine. The passenger was also compelled to sign a document written entirely in Arabic and was denied onward travel, forcing him to purchase a new ticket at personal and reputational cost.
“The airline @qatarairways has carried on as though Nigerian passengers and the NCAA are not deserving of their respect, dignified treatment, and compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. This will be brought to a stop immediately,” Achimugu said.
He added that Qatar Airways has ignored NCAA directives, failed to respond to escalated passenger complaints, and neglected to acknowledge an official letter of investigation. The airline’s country manager also failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the NCAA, sending subordinates instead.
“To continue to treat our laws with contempt while respecting regulations across Europe and elsewhere is not ideal and must be brought to a complete and final stop,” Achimugu stressed.
The NCAA also disclosed that Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have been cautioned for similar infractions and risk heavy sanctions if they fail to comply with regulatory directives.
Achimugu reiterated that consumer protection is a top priority for the NCAA, under the leadership of the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, who has “never minced words” about holding airlines accountable.
He warned that providing false information to the NCAA or disregarding its rulings is unlawful and violates the bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) Nigeria has signed with partner countries.
“The rules must be respected just as they are in Europe and other regions. Nigerian passengers deserve no less,” Achimugu said.
