The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern directive to all local and international airlines operating in Nigeria, mandating strict adherence to passenger compensation rules for delayed or short-landed baggage, in line with Part 19 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
The directive emphasizes that any failure to comply with the “First Need” compensation policy—meant to alleviate the immediate inconvenience of delayed luggage—will attract regulatory penalties. The NCAA now seeks to bring an end to what it describes as a “grey area” of neglect by some carriers.
Short-landed baggage refers to checked-in luggage that fails to arrive on the same flight as the passenger and is instead transported on a subsequent flight. The Civil Aviation Regulations entitle affected passengers to N10,000 for domestic flights and $170 for international travel, covering essential expenses incurred while awaiting their bags. Airlines are also mandated to deliver delayed baggage within seven days to the customer’s address—at no extra charge.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made this announcement in a public statement and during a meeting with station managers of multiple airlines. He expressed dissatisfaction with the prevailing non-compliance, citing lack of awareness and deliberate disregard of the rules by some carriers.
“The regulations are very clear. If a passenger’s baggage is short-landed, they are entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, most airlines are neither paying nor delivering the bags without hassle,” Achimugu stated.
The NCAA reiterated that ignorance of the regulations will no longer be tolerated. According to Achimugu, many station managers appeared unaware of the compensation requirements, prompting the Authority to initiate direct engagements with airline operators to eliminate excuses for non-compliance.
“We’ve sent letters to all airlines and expect full compliance. This should be the last time we’re clarifying First Need responsibilities,” he warned.
In support of the directive, Ifueko Abdulamlik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General of Civil Aviation, clarified that additional claims may be made in cases of prolonged baggage delays—provided passengers submit receipts for emergency purchases made due to the inconvenience.
During the stakeholder meeting, airline representatives voiced concerns about inadequate airport infrastructure, especially malfunctioning conveyor belts and poor baggage handling systems, which they claim contribute to the frequent baggage delays. They urged the NCAA to collaborate with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and private terminal operators to address these root issues.
Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by domestic airlines, NCAA maintained its stance on global best practices, noting that airlines must respect the rights of passengers.
“We understand that margins are tight, but regulation is regulation,” said Achimugu. “Passengers should not be made to suffer because of operational inefficiencies.”
With this renewed directive, the NCAA plans to commence stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the First Need compensation rule. Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the development, noting that the awareness of these rights remains low among Nigerian travelers.
The NCAA has also encouraged passengers to report non-compliance and to demand their lawful entitlements when baggage is delayed or mishandled.
Part 19 of the NCAA’s Civil Aviation Regulations outlines broad consumer protections, including:
Compensation for delayed, short-landed, or lost baggage
Refunds and care for denied boarding due to overbooking
Compensation for delayed or cancelled flights
Obligation for airlines to deliver baggage directly to passengers at no cost
As global air travel picks up and Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, the NCAA’s enforcement stance underscores its commitment to passenger welfare, operational accountability, and global aviation standards.