Following recent incidents involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has emphasized the importance of obeying cabin crew instructions during flights.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, underscored that aviation safety rules are non-negotiable.
“You must always obey the cabin crew when you are aboard an airline. You don’t make the rules for safety in aviation,” Achimugu said. He described both incidents as “very avoidable” and warned that failure to comply with safety protocols could carry serious consequences.
While noting that the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers, Achimugu explained that airlines have the authority to ban passengers who pose safety risks.
“You are not permitted to hit anybody. You are not permitted to disobey the cabin crew while aboard an aircraft,” he stated, adding that discipline and cooperation are essential for in-flight safety.
The statement follows a viral incident on Monday involving a confrontation between an Ibom Air passenger and an airline staff member, which led to the passenger being banned by the airline. The ban sparked debate among Nigerians, but Achimugu clarified that such decisions lie solely with the airlines.
The incident occurred just days after the NCAA handed down a six-month flight ban to KWAM 1 for unruly behavior at Abuja airport.
In response to public criticism over the NCAA’s handling of the two cases, Achimugu stressed that any attempt to disrupt control of an aircraft could be classified as a security threat, potentially even terrorism, under aviation law. He noted that such matters are referred to the appropriate security agencies.
“No matter the provocation, be assured that you can always file your complaints to the NCAA, and it will be dealt with. Self-help is not permissible in aviation,” he said.
Achimugu also called for mutual respect between passengers and airline staff and said the NCAA is intensifying awareness campaigns on aviation safety regulations. He reminded travelers to switch off electronic devices when instructed, as failing to do so could interfere with aircraft communication systems.
“Passengers seem more obsessed with their rights than their responsibilities,” he concluded.
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