An Aviation Analyst, Sindy Foster, has called for a more balanced approach to air travel in Nigeria, stressing that passenger rights cannot exist without corresponding responsibilities.
Speaking at the Emergency Meeting of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee in Abuja, Foster warned that unruly passenger behaviour, weak enforcement of rules, and inadequate penalties are undermining safety and trust in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
She noted that while Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations already guarantee significant protections such as refunds for cancelled flights, compensation for denied boarding, and care during disruptions, airline failures to honour these obligations often leave passengers frustrated.
This, she argued, fuels tensions that frequently spill over into disruptive behaviour.
“What we see is that Nigerians rarely behave this way abroad, even under similar circumstances”.
“This suggests that cultural and environmental factors such as a sense of entitlement and lack of discipline are driving the problem at home.”
The aviation expert stressed that rights must be matched with responsibilities, including compliance with safety instructions, respect for crew and fellow passengers, adherence to baggage rules, and proper documentation.
She insisted that in emergencies, passengers must comply with crew directives without argument, adding that failure to do so could put lives at risk.
The strategic consultant also drew attention to the often-overlooked rights of airline staff and ground personnel, who, she said, are frequently subjected to verbal and physical abuse.
“No society tolerates doctors being assaulted in hospitals or teachers being attacked in classrooms. Why should aviation staff be treated differently?” she asked.
Comparing Nigeria with global practices, Foster highlighted stark differences in penalties.
While fines in the United States and Europe can reach tens of millions of naira, Nigeria’s penalty for unruly passengers stands at just ₦200,000 barely $150.
“This is neither proportionate nor a deterrent,” she said, calling for stronger sanctions to restore order in the system.
The aviation analyst urged the aviation authorities to adopt a more collaborative approach, with airlines, regulators, and airport agencies jointly educating passengers about both their rights and responsibilities.
Measures such as a national “Fly Right Nigeria” campaign, visible penalties for offenders, and regular public reporting of enforcement actions were suggested as steps that could change behaviour and rebuild trust.
According to her, “Passenger rights matter. Passenger responsibilities matter equally. Crew and staff rights matter too”.
“Aviation will only work if accountability is shared across the system. When passengers feel fairly treated, they comply. When staff feel protected, they create a better atmosphere. And when regulators and operators act in partnership, public trust is restored.”
She called for balance, urging all stakeholders; passengers, airlines, regulators, and security agencies to collaborate in building a safer and more respectful aviation culture in Nigeria.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen