From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has called for urgent regulatory intervention in Nigeria’s aviation sector, condemning what he described as the “dubious and unjust” treatment of passengers.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Agbomhere recalled that an airline, operating with impunity, allegedly refused to allow a serving senator and former Edo State governor, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, to board a 6:30 a.m. flight to Abuja from the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, despite his checking in online and arriving 25 minutes before departure.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) must wake up from its long slumber,” Agbomhere declared. “The world has moved beyond the poorly regulated Nigerian aviation industry that allows local airlines to delay, cancel, and round-trip tickets at will without sanctions.”
Agbomhere alleged that Air Peace’s actions towards Oshiomhole were part of a pattern of disregard for passengers, describing the airline’s conduct as “lawless and chaotic”. He further accused the airline’s management of issuing false statements to cover up its operational failings.
The APC chieftain called for a complete overhaul of the NCAA, accusing the regulatory body of failing to enforce standards in the industry. He issued a one-week ultimatum to the management of Air Peace to investigate the incident and sanction those involved.
“The airline should tender an unreserved apology to Senator Oshiomhole for the distress and embarrassment caused him and improve its customer care service in the interest of the flying masses,” he said.
Agbomhere also appealed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, to intervene and ensure the NCAA launches a full investigation into the matter.
“If it takes the poor treatment of Senator Oshiomhole to stop the nefarious activities of Air Peace, then I’m sure even the former Governor of Edo State is willing to make that sacrifice,” he added.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a creeping culture of inefficiency and arrogance among local airlines, particularly Air Peace.