Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has publicly condemned former Edo State Governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, over what it described as “unruly passenger behavior” at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, calling for a full-scale investigation into the incident and swift action from authorities.
This strong reaction comes in the wake of a confrontation between Oshiomhole and staff of Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, which escalated into a public controversy earlier in the week. According to AON, the incident is not just an isolated case of passenger dissatisfaction but represents a dangerous trend of passengers taking the law into their hands when inconvenienced.
Speaking on behalf of AON, its spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, criticized Oshiomhole’s actions, describing them as a breach of aviation ethics and a potential threat to airline staff and operations.
“We understand the rights of passengers to demand better service, but such rights are governed by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and domestic civil aviation regulations. Resorting to self-help and public outbursts is not acceptable,” Okonkwo stated during the unveiling of United Nigeria Airlines’ integration into the SIBAS Global Distribution System (GDS) in Lagos.
Okonkwo emphasized that Air Peace—one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous airlines—deserved respect for its contributions to the aviation sector. “Air Peace accounts for about 40 to 50 per cent of all domestic air travel in Nigeria. Demonising the airline in the media without verified facts is unfair and damaging to the industry,” he added.
The controversy began when Senator Oshiomhole accused Air Peace of deliberately refusing to board passengers and extorting them at the Lagos airport. He claimed he witnessed passengers being unfairly treated, prompting him to intervene.
However, Air Peace issued a detailed rebuttal, denying the allegations and accusing Oshiomhole of disrupting operations and attempting to impose his own version of events on the airline’s ground staff. The airline insisted that all its operations followed due protocols and customer service policies.
In response to the escalating dispute, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stepped in, calling for calm and directing aviation authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. In a post via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Keyamo confirmed that he had personally contacted both Oshiomhole and Air Peace representatives to de-escalate tensions and ensure objectivity in the ongoing probe.
“I have instructed the relevant agencies under my ministry to commence a full investigation into the matter. The aviation sector is governed by law, and no individual or airline should be subjected to unprofessional conduct,” Keyamo stated.
Industry experts have warned that if left unchecked, the rise in passenger misconduct at Nigerian airports could undermine airline safety and morale among aviation workers. The AON has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release official findings on the incident and ensure that justice is served without political or commercial bias.
As of press time, FAAN had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, drawing criticism from industry observers who believe delayed communication fosters speculation and public mistrust.
Meanwhile, AON reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism, safety, and accountability across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. “We want to assure the flying public that the AON is working tirelessly with regulatory agencies to uphold global standards while ensuring airlines operate in an environment free from harassment or intimidation,” Okonkwo concluded.
The aviation industry continues to watch developments closely, especially as Nigeria strives to enhance investor confidence and operational stability in its air transport sector.