Inaccurate data stumbling block to aviation growth-NCAA

• Experts commend NCAA, slam carriers over flight delays, cancellations

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu said believable data gathering and presentation has been a major stumbling block to the growth and development of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

He particularly mentioned the case of the NCAA, explaining that the aviation regulatory body should be the custodian of accurate data gathering for the entire aviation industry.

Speaking on the conflicting figure on on-time departure data churned out by airlines particularly when most carriers are guilty of incessant flight delays and cancellations that have taken the joy out of air travel, Achimugu said there is a huge data problem in the country.

Achimugu who spoke at the NCAA Consumer Protection National Stakeholders Summit in Lagos with theme, ‘Achieving Increased Adoption of Digital Technology in Air Travel Customer Complain Management: The Regulatory Perspective”, accepted responsibility for lack of accurate data which he admitted was done manually.

His words, “We take responsibility for this. We are implementing our method of data collection. We will be more efficient. There is a data problem in the NCAA. There are discrepancies in data collation in the aviation industry and the airline sector”.

For airlines, appropriate use of data is essential for achieving faster, more fuel-efficient routes, reduced cancellations and delays, operational improvements, increased passenger satisfaction and loyalty, more efficient airspace utilisation, passenger demand, travel patterns and market trends to identify profitable and new routes, optimise their flight schedules and fit capacity to demand.

While the global aviation industry, including those from other African countries, has benefited hugely from the use of data, the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

   The various government agencies in the sector in charge of data collation; NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), dispense conflicting and unharmonised data to the public and business organisations.

The stakeholders meeting according to him was convened to chart a new path for aviation in the country, adding, “That is why we have invited aviation personnel whose duties impact on the passengers. From FAAN personnel to NAMA’s air traffic controllers, from baggage handlers to the Nigeria Customs Service and from the famed travel agents to the Nigeria Immigration Service”.

“Yet, daily, passengers allege that we protect the airlines more than we care about passenger rights. What a situation to be in”.

He reiterated that over the years, the problem with meetings like this has been the lack of follow-through, noting that there has been a lot of talk but no action.

“Under the leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo, today’s NCAA  does not intend to become a mere statistic in the dustbin of history. We aim to, together with you all, splash colours on the canvas of history, and the best time to begin is today, if we have missed opportunities in the past.”

“Let us not talk for the sake of speaking, but with a sense of pride that, upon our shoulders rests the present and future of an important industry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has centred his economic plans on it. “

“The task before us is huge. We will step on toes to get the right thing done. We will make decisions and adjustments that will not compromise safety and security, but will uplift the travel experience of the people for whose sake, the industry exists; the passengers”, he added.

He urged all passengers to remember that airlines are in business and must make certain decisions based on the same principles that passengers also apply to their businesses as well.

“We must, therefore, strike a balance in the best interest of all parties. So, as you insist on having your rights protected, also do well to remember to honour your responsibilities as clearly stated in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023”, he stated.

Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi who was represented by the Director of Airline Services of the airline, Mrs. Amaka Echetabu said unlike in the past, the aviation regulatory body has been humanized.

He added that Ibom Air feels secure with the NCAA because of the way the agency has collaborated with the carriers and listened to their plight.

“According to her, “We have a voice. The Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) has lost its monstrous status and we have a CPD that is active and engaging in inclusive dialogue. NCAA CPD is working.

Thought Leader, lawyer and scholar, First Baba Isa took a swipe at virtually all the carriers for the kind of flight delays that are unprecedented in the country, lamenting that flight delays and cancellations have become a regular feature in the airline industry.

He described as pathetic the long hours of flight delays and cancellations with the airlines never showing sympathy to their customers and the delay in refund for flights cancelled or delayed beyond four hours.

He said, ‘Poor customer service pervades the whole airline business. Customers will call their numbers to lodge complaints but they will never pick up their calls that are not toll-free. It is a horrible situation.”

Wole Shadare