Air Peace to Refund Stranded Lagos–Jamaica Passengers Following NCAA Intervention

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced that Air Peace has agreed to refund passengers affected by the Lagos–Jamaica travel disruption that left several stranded and deported from Barbados.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, explained that the issue began during passenger profiling at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where some travelers lacked the required documents for the Lagos–Antigua–Jamaica flight. While 67 passengers were allowed entry into Jamaica, 25 were stopped by immigration for lacking onward tickets, proof of funds, or valid accommodation details.

Air Peace offered refunds initially, but passengers opted to travel to Barbados, a visa-free destination, before returning to Nigeria. Achimugu said the NCAA mediated the dispute, and the airline agreed to issue refunds as a goodwill gesture, while regulatory review and potential sanctions remain ongoing.

The resolution aims to protect the aviation industry’s reputation while ensuring passengers’ rights are upheld.

Air Peace CEO Warns New Tax Law Could Push Nigerian Domestic Flight Fares to ₦1 Million

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema has raised alarms over Nigeria’s new tax provisions, warning they could push domestic flight fares beyond ₦1 million and threaten airline operations. Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Onyema explained that cumulative levies—including VAT on aircraft and spare parts, and NCAA charges—are straining airlines’ finances, with only a fraction of ticket revenue reaching operators. He called for urgent government intervention to prevent sector collapse, stressing that implementing the new tax framework could force airlines to pass high costs to passengers, potentially crippling Nigeria’s aviation industry and impacting the wider economy.

Air Peace Flight Grounded After Conveyor Belt Damages Engine Cover, Disrupts Operations On Nine Routes — NCAA

Operations on an Air Peace flight were severely disrupted after a ground handler’s conveyor belt struck and damaged the aircraft’s engine cover while passengers were already on board, forcing an unscheduled deboarding and widespread delays. The incident, confirmed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, rendered the aircraft unsafe to continue operations. The affected plane, a newly acquired Embraer E2 jet, had been scheduled to operate nine sectors and was fully booked until January 15, 2026, meaning all passengers on those routes faced delays or cancellations. Achimugu explained that despite the damage being caused by a third-party service provider, airlines often bear passenger anger, financial losses, regulatory sanctions, refund obligations, and costly foreign repairs. He stressed the need for stricter regulation and accountability for ground handling services, transparency in informing passengers about the true causes of disruptions, and stronger sanctions against negligent service providers to protect airlines and restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

NCAA Investigates Three Nigerian Airlines Over Passenger Welfare and Delays

Regulatory Action: The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened at the Abuja operations of Xejet, Rano Air, and United Nigeria Airline due to concerns over poor passenger care during flight disruptions.

Reason for Action: The NCAA cited failure to comply with regulations, including providing timely updates and light refreshments after two hours of delay, as required under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

Public Statement: Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stressed that airlines must meet their obligations, especially during the end-of-year travel rush, warning of regulatory sanctions for non-compliance.

Context: Airfares have surged by about 150%, reaching over ₦300,000 on some domestic routes (especially South-South and South-East) due to high passenger demand and aircraft shortages. The Nigerian Senate recently summoned aviation officials over these steep increases.


Key Takeaway: NCAA is actively monitoring airline operations to protect passengers’ rights and ensure compliance during high-traffic periods. Airlines failing to meet standards risk penalties.

NCAA CONFIRMS TWO ADDITIONAL AIRPORTS WITH AERODROME CERTIFICATION

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport have now received full AERODROME certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This brings the total number of certified international airports in the country to four, joining Lagos and Abuja International Airports.

UMZA Air Launches Abuja–Ilorin Flights With Fares Up to 60% Lower Than Market Rates

UMZA Air has officially launched its Abuja–Ilorin route, offering fares between N145,000 and N180,000—about 60% lower than current market prices. The airline says the discounted rate is permanent and not a promotional offer, triggering strong early ticket demand.
The carrier plans to deploy a G-400 XR turboprop and has met all regulatory requirements of the NCAA. Analysts say UMZA’s entry could break existing fare monopolies on the route and provide long-awaited relief for travellers across Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and neighbouring states. The airline currently operates across Lagos, Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Maiduguri, and Kebbi, expanding affordability in domestic air travel.


#UMZAAir

#Abuja–IlorinFlights

#CheapFlightsNigeria

VDM, Mr Jollof in hot water as NCAA demands details of aircraft fight.

Social media sensation, Martins Otse aka Verydarkman, and comedian, Freedom Atsepoyi aka Mr Jollof, could be in hot water with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

This comes after a video of the two men exchanging blows during a flight went viral on Monday morning.

VDM and Jollof have been involved in a heated exchange on social media in the past after the critic dragged the comedian’s wife into their drama, alleging that she sleeps with Yahoo boys.

But following the physical altercation on the flight, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, has now taken to X to demand details of the incident.

Achimugu quoted one of the clips and wrote: “If you are kind enough to provide the name of the airline in whose aircraft this incident occurred, and the date, it would help investigations.”

VDM and Jollof could be hit with sanctions like fines and flight bans if found guilty.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian Hemp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action.

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcoqAzqdqazqhol and cannabis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

NCAA Summons Airlines Over Flight Delays, Refunds; Vows To Name And Shame Defaulters
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned all domestic airlines to a meeting in Abuja over persistent flight disruptions, refunds, and poor passenger handling. NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu said the meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, will address unresolved compensation issues, unruly passenger behaviour, and the planned introduction of RFID bag tags. He warned that airlines which cancel or delay flights without providing required passenger care will soon be “named and shamed” as part of stricter enforcement of aviation regulations.

#NCAA #Airlines #Nigeria

Ibom Air: NCAA Meets Passenger Comfort Emanson, Crew Members

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has met with Comfort Emanson, the Ibom Air passenger who clashed with crew members and assaulted a flight attendant during an August 10 flight from Uyo to Lagos.

NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu confirmed on Thursday that Emanson attended the meeting with her lawyer. He added that the agency had earlier held talks with crew members as part of an ongoing investigation involving its aviation security, operations, legal, and consumer protection departments.

The incident, which went viral on social media, drew mixed reactions after Emanson was filmed in a heated altercation with a flight attendant and later confronted security agents at Lagos airport.

She was initially arrested, arraigned, and remanded in prison, but later released after charges were dropped.

#IbomAir #AviationSafety #Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all mobile phones must now be completely switched off during take-off & landing, ruling out the use of airplane mode.

In an update posted on X on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, said the agency has unified regulations on the use of phones & other electronic devices onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

“During the critical phases of flight take-off & landing all phones must be switched off,” Achimugu stated. He added that airlines are required to update their security programmes to reflect this new directive if not already in place.

According to him, the use of airplane mode will remain suspended until future reviews of the regulation “to reflect evolving technological situations.”

The new directive follows an emergency meeting with aviation stakeholders & comes in the wake of a recent air rage incident involving a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight.

JUST IN: NCAA Orders Passengers To Switch Off Phones During Flights

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must switch off mobile phones and portable electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

NCAA Director General, Chris Najomo, announced the new rule at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, citing recent clashes between airline staff and passengers, including a heated incident involving Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air flight attendant.

Najomo said the directive ends the inconsistency of different airlines applying different rules, stressing that “nothing like flight mode any longer.” Airlines are to update their operations manuals and submit them to NCAA for approval.

He added that while future reviews may be considered as technology improves, passengers must comply with crew instructions at all times.

#NCAA #Aviation #Nigeria #AirTravel #IbomAir #Passengers #FlightSafety

Comfort Emmanson debunks report of filing ₦500bn lawsuit against the FG, NCAA, and others over the Ibom Air incident.

Lawyer Sues FG, NCAA for N500bn Over Alleged Special Treatment of KWAM1.

Public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi has filed a N500 billion suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and others over alleged breaches of the rule of law in two aviation incidents involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson.

The suit, FHC/L/CS/1632/25, lists the President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, FAAN, Ibom Air, ValueJet, Nigerian Correctional Service, King Wasiu, Nigerian Police Force, Governor of Akwa Ibom, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria as respondents.

Addressing journalists, Ademiluyi said the action aims to “enforce accountability and protect the public interest,” stressing that the matter “transcends the personalities involved” and reflects “systemic d£cay” in the aviation sector.

“Our aviation system needs a complete overhauling. We cannot allow impunity to reign or degenerate into a banana republic where someone can stop a plane with their bare hands and walk away without consequence,” he said.

He accused authorities of failing to arrest or prosecute Kwam 1 while Emmanson faced swift sanctions. “It’s a gross imbalance… In fact, he was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship for the aviation sector.

What message does that send to the public?” Ademiluyi argued that appointing Kwam 1 as ambassador “sends the wrong signal” and alleged that Minister Keyamo acted “as if speaking for one of the airlines rather than enforcing the law.”

On the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s handling of the Emmanson case, he said the body acted as “complainant, prosecutor and judge” in imposing — then reversing — a life ban. “The central issue remains: Mr. Kwam 1 is walking the streets free. That is a big sl+p on the rule of law.” He urged the judiciary to set a precedent “that no one, regardless of influence or status, is above the law.”

Ibom Air Drama Sparks Urgent Call for Aviation Security Overhaul — Expert Warns


Security consultant Onyekachi Adekoya has described the recent Ibom Air incident as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria’s aviation sector, urging urgent reforms, better training, and stricter security protocols to restore public confidence.

During an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Adekoya stressed that while aviation security is a global priority, Nigeria’s approach lacks the necessary seriousness. He noted that the Ibom Air crew appeared unprepared to handle the situation, calling it a reflection of a “general Nigerian problem” rather than an issue with international standards or procedures.

He urged Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to address faulty equipment, non-functional facilities, and operational lapses. Adekoya also reminded passengers that misconduct onboard is a federal crime, warning that politically convenient resolutions to the case would not reassure the public.

Highlighting the crucial role of cabin crew, he warned that political considerations in safety decisions undermine the aviation security framework. “It’s time for stricter enforcement, better preparation, and zero tolerance for negligence,” he said.

#IbomAir #AviationSecurity #NigeriaNews #FlightSafety #AviationReform #AirTravel #BreakingNews #OnyekachiAdekoya #FAAN #NCAA

JUST IN: Federal govt reduces Kwam 1’s flight ban.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as Kwam 1, will have his flight ban reduced to one month by the NCAA following his unruly behaviour at a ValueJet flight.

Keyamo stated that FAAN will collaborate with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols going forward.

Keyamo also confirmed that the NCAA has withdrawn its criminal complaints against Kwam 1 after he publicly demonstrated remorse for his conduct.

He said the decisions are part of broader measures to ensure aviation safety while recognising penitence and promoting public awareness of proper conduct in Nigeria’s airports.

“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he added.

Rights Group Demands Probe Into Ibom Air–Passenger Incident

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has urged the Ministry of Aviation, NCAA, and FAAN to launch a thorough investigation into an alleged incident involving Ibom Air officials and Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger on a Uyo–Lagos flight.

#IbomAir #CHRAN #AviationSafety #PassengerRights #UyoToLagos #NigeriaAviation #HumanRights #AviationNews

PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS

1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently. THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

FINAL COMMENTS
8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

FESTUS KEYAMO

Nigerian Govt explains different treatment for Comfort Emmanson, Kwam 1.

The Federal Government has explained the reason why Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who allegedly assaulted Ibom Air crew members, was remanded while Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, a.k.a Kwam 1, who reportedly disrupted a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week, faced no such court action.

DAILY POST recalls that the Ibom Air incident, which occurred on the Uyo–Lagos route on Sunday, has triggered public outrage and accusations of selective justice.

However, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Mike Achimugu, said the two incidents were different.

“There is no comparison here; it’s not a case of oranges and oranges. In the Kwam1 incident, the airline did not activate its rights to take the passenger to court, so the NCAA did what it was supposed to do by petitioning the authorities to petition the passenger.

“In the Ibom Air incident, maybe because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to take up the matter, and it went to court,” he said.

According to him, the NCAA was not directly involved in Emmanson’s case, whereas in Kwam 1’s situation, the Authority issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, to ban the musician from flights.

He revealed that contrary to earlier reports, Kwam 1 was not placed on a six-month ban but on an indefinite ban pending the outcome of investigations.

Achimugu, while explaining why Emmanson was placed on a no-fly life ban, said airline operators have the legal authority to take such action.

Singer K1 De Ultimate Apologises Over Airport Incident, Denies Alcohol Allegation.

Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has issued a formal apology following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

In a statement personally signed by the veteran singer, K1 expressed deep regret over the misunderstanding, which sparked reports suggesting he had attempted to board a flight with alc%hol in his flask. He, however, firmly denied the claim, clarifying that the flask contained only water due to a medical condition.

“Unknown to many, I s¥ffer from chronic dehydration and have been medically advised to stay constantly hydrated. The flask I carried that day contained only water not alc%hol as speculated,” he explained. According to the singer, the flask was empty during two rounds of security checks and was only filled with water at the airport lounge before proceeding to the tarmac.

He further noted that he had not boarded the aircraft at the time of the incident. While insisting he had no intention to disrupt airport protocols or cause emb@rrassment, K1 apologised to all parties concerned, including the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ValueJet, and his global fanbase.

“I deeply regret any concern this incident may have caused. My loyalty to Nigeria and commitment to upholding its image remain steadfast. I would never do anything to tarnish the reputation I’ve built over the past five decades,” he added.

K1 reaffirmed his dedication to promoting Nigerian culture and music worldwide and expressed appreciation to those who reached out with concern and support during the controversy.