The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has rolled out a renewed anti-violence campaign aimed at tackling the rising incidents of unruly passenger behaviour across Nigerian airports and onboard flights.
The initiative seeks to promote a safer, more civil air travel environment, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to passenger safety.
Speaking to reporters, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, highlighted that excessive alcohol consumption remains the leading trigger for disruptive incidents among passengers.
“Most unruly behaviours are predictable, and alcohol is a major factor,” Achimugu stated.
“The unpredictable nature of human behaviour requires that the aviation system not only reacts to incidents but also takes proactive measures to prevent them.”
The campaign, according to the NCAA, will focus on increasing awareness among passengers about acceptable conduct and the consequences of misbehaviour.
Airlines and aviation stakeholders are being urged to collaborate closely to ensure preventive measures are effective.
Achimugu stressed the importance of data-driven strategies, including improved reporting of incidents, enhanced crew training, and stricter enforcement of regulations.
“Accurate data and the will to act on it will allow the back end to solve front-end problems without bringing the system to a halt,” Achimugu said.
“But this requires genuine commitment from all stakeholders, not just lip service.”
The NCAA’s initiative comes amid growing global concern over unruly passengers, a trend that has affected the aviation industry worldwide.
Flight delays, poor communication, and alcohol consumption are identified as the primary triggers of passenger disruptions.
By addressing these root causes, the NCAA hopes to create a more harmonious travel experience and reduce the operational and safety risks associated with violent incidents.
The authority also plans to engage airlines more directly in the campaign.
Measures under consideration include the potential blacklisting of repeat offenders, enhanced pre-flight briefings for passengers, and increased monitoring at airports to discourage disruptive behaviour.
Partnerships with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and aviation security agencies are expected to strengthen the implementation of these measures.
Aviation experts note that the campaign could have far-reaching impacts on Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Effective enforcement and passenger education could help reduce operational delays, prevent injuries, and protect aviation staff.
The campaign may also improve the overall image of Nigerian airports and encourage greater public confidence in air travel.
Local media and passenger advocacy groups have welcomed the NCAA’s renewed focus on anti-violence measures, emphasizing that sustained awareness and enforcement are key to ensuring long-term success.
Analysts suggest that combining technology, better reporting mechanisms, and strict penalties for misconduct could significantly curb incidents in the coming months.
The NCAA campaign highlights the authority’s proactive approach to aviation safety.
By emphasizing preventive strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and data-informed decision-making, the initiative aims to create a safer, more professional, and passenger-friendly environment across Nigeria’s airports and skies.