馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
NCAA urges airlines to be transparent about flight delays
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA has called on airlines operating in the country to improve transparency in communicating flight delays, especially those caused by operational issues. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, issued a statement via his X handle on Tuesday, warning airlines against providing misleading or inconsistent information during prolonged delays. He emphasized that passengers should be informed of the true reasons for disruptions, such as fueling issues, to enable them to make informed decisions. Achimugu stated that the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has expressed concern and ordered enhanced monitoring of flight operations by consumer protection officers. He added that while challenges may not always be the airlines' fault, it is their responsibility to mitigate inconvenience by allowing passengers to choose alternative flights. Achimugu also cautioned against issuing misleading operational updates, such as attributing a delay to a "bird strike" when the problem is fuel, or giving inaccurate takeoff times. He further stressed that passengers stranded late at night should be provided with hotel accommodation when necessary.
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The Nigerian Federal Government is prepared to collaborate with investors to address the nation's housing deficit, offering land nationwide for mass housing projects. This was announced by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Darma, during a meeting with a Chinese delegation. The delegation, led by Chief Engineer Lewis Chima, proposed a partnership to deliver large-scale affordable housing. Darma noted that this proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes affordable housing through public-private partnerships. The minister affirmed the ministry's commitment to facilitating access to land and providing institutional support for successful project implementation. Chima stated that the company was drawn to Nigeria due to its significant housing demand and economic potential, aiming to complement the Renewed Hope Housing Programme by providing affordable, durable, and rapidly deployable housing solutions across the country鈥檚 six geopolitical zones. The company plans to use advanced prefabricated construction technology under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing model to deliver 10,000 housing units within 30 months, reducing costs and improving quality. Darma has directed a committee to review the proposal. Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of about 17 million units, which the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to tackle through various initiatives, including Renewed Hope Cities, Estate
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