The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mike Achimugu, has emphasised the critical importance of passengers complying with aviation safety guidelines and obeying instructions from cabin crew members.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Achimugu stated, “You must always obey the cabin crew when you are aboard an airline. You don’t make the rules for safety in aviation,” stressing that such measures are designed to protect every passenger on board.
He described the recent episodes involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, and a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight as “very avoidable,” warning that defying safety protocols can lead to serious consequences.
Achimugu clarified that while the NCAA lacks the authority to prosecute offenders, airlines hold the power to place any passenger they deem a risk on a no-fly list. “You are not permitted to hit anybody. You are not permitted to disobey the cabin crew while aboard an aircraft,” he stated, underlining that discipline is essential to maintaining safe operations in the air.
The latest controversy followed a widely circulated video on Monday showing a confrontation between an Ibom Air passenger and one of the airline’s staff members, which resulted in the passenger being banned from the carrier. Although the move has sparked reactions from Nigerians, Achimugu explained that such decisions rest entirely with each airline.
According to him, the NCAA’s role in such matters is limited to mediation, particularly when disputes are already before a court. The incident occurred roughly a week after K1 De Ultimate received a six-month ban from the NCAA for unruly conduct at Abuja airport.
Responding to perceptions of bias in handling both situations, Achimugu stressed that any attempt to seize control of an aircraft could be classified as terrorism under aviation law, with such matters 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 added.
He urged both passengers and crew members to show mutual respect and pointed out that the NCAA has ramped up awareness campaigns on aviation guidelines. He also reminded travellers to power off their mobile devices when instructed, explaining that this helps prevent potential interference with the aircraft’s communication systems. “Passengers seem more obsessed with their rights than their responsibilities,” Achimugu remarked during the programme.
What you should know
Mike Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, has stressed that safety rules on flights are non-negotiable, urging passengers to obey crew instructions.
He highlighted recent incidents involving KWAM 1 and an Ibom Air passenger as cautionary examples, warning that airlines can ban disruptive individuals, and that some actions could be treated as terrorism under aviation law.
