In an encouraging update, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has offered assurances to air travellers of an impending drop in airfares. Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, cited several factors contributing to this anticipated reduction.
He highlighted the resolution of airlines’ financial constraints, extensive engagement with airline operators, and collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders as key drivers behind this promising development.
Achimugu emphasized the unwavering commitment of the agency under the stewardship of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, to facilitate a significant decrease in airfares.
These reassurances were shared with The Nation during a brief exchange with Achimugu, underscoring the agency’s proactive approach to addressing the concerns of air travellers.
Achimugu said: “Globally, airfares are not regulated but the government can engage airlines to be reasonable about their fares and that is what the NCAA under the leadership of Captain Chris Najomo based on the instruction of the minister has shown great concern for consumer protection did.
“Very recently, the NCAA set up a high-powered committee to look into the possibilities of reducing airfares generally.
“We engaged the airlines and we have gotten the commitment of the majority of them to look into the reduction of fares.”
On steps taken by the government and the agency to experience a drop in airfares, Achimugu said: “It is a joint effort of NCAA, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and other stakeholders.
“The commitment of the Minister has also helped. He told us to do whatever we have to do because he is very committed to consumer protection and the DG’s policy is geared towards ease of doing business.
“The DG believes that if we make things easy for the airlines, they will also reciprocate.”
“The clearance of the trapped fund is also a factor. So, it is a combination of so many factors. We will keep engaging all relevant stakeholders in the sector.”
He also noted that ease of doing business and fair competition amongst local and foreign airlines would lead to further drop in ticket prices.
He added: “Other ways to experience a further crash in ticket fares is to make it easy to do business and for fair competition amongst the various airlines.
“The entrance of Airpeace into some of the international routes has crashed the fares. As the Minister mentioned, fair competition would lead to a drop in airfares also. So, local airline operators need to be on top of their games and take advantage of opportunities.”
