The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned domestic airlines that passenger ticket refunds must be processed within the legally mandated 14‑day period. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced the directive on his official social media account after reports surfaced that some airlines were telling passengers refunds could take up to four weeks—a clear breach of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. The regulations explicitly require refunds to be completed within 14 days, and airlines are not permitted to set their own timelines.
The NCAA stressed that providing misleading information about longer refund periods undermines the authority’s regulatory role and is unfair to consumers. To combat the issue, the agency advised passengers who encounter refund delays to forward any airline communications to the designated NCAA email addresses. This step is intended to ensure compliance with the regulations and prompt timely refunds.
The directive is significant for protecting consumer rights and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s rapidly growing aviation sector. As the number of domestic airlines increases, the NCAA’s regulatory oversight becomes ever more crucial for maintaining public trust. Passengers who have experienced refund delays or have concerns about airline refund policies are encouraged to contact the NCAA for assistance. The agency’s commitment to enforcing the 14‑day refund rule represents a positive move toward a fair and transparent aviation industry in Nigeria.
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