The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines to comply with the compensation of passengers for short-landed luggage.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The NCAA said it has observed non-compliance with the payment of N10,000 as first need compensation to domestic passengers whose luggage are short-landed and $170 compensation for passengers on foreign flights.
Speaking at a meeting with the airlines at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said the Authority will henceforth sanction airlines over failure to pay the compensation as stipulated in the reviewed 2023 NCAA regulations.
The first needs are payments to help sort out the immediate needs of a passenger after missing her/his luggage.
Achimugu, while addressing station managers of some domestic airlines, said: “NCAA has sent out letters to the airlines about first needs, but there has not been much compliance in that regard despite clear regulations.
“Part 19 of the CAA Regulations of 2023 makes it very clear. If a passenger’s bag does not arrive with them, the airline for domestic flights must give that passenger N10,000 as first need compensation.
“The airline also has seven days to search for that bag and reconcile the bag with the passenger. These bags must be delivered to the passengers at their addresses. The cost of that must be borne by the airline.
“This is the regulation, and the time has come for us to comply with the regulations as best as possible. We understand from the regulatory perspective how challenging the airline business is in Nigeria, given our peculiar operating environment. Still, we must show that as an industry, we can operate at world-class standards.”
He also commended the airlines for their efforts despite the economic limitations.
He said, “Given the challenges of the industry in Nigeria, our domestic airlines, are trying. I cannot but first of all commend you because it’s not easy. The margins are a little, we have a capacity problem, but we, as an authority, have also done the best we can do to support the airlines. However, so long as we’re in this business, we must show compliance with the regulations”.
The Abuja Station Manager of NG Eagle, Tula Danjuma, said lack of facilities like conveyor belts at the terminals affects the operations of the airlines.
The Deputy Ground Operations Manager, Airpeace, Olisakwe Leonard, urged the regulatory agencies to domesticate some of their regulations.
The NCAA also advised airlines to make prompt announcement and serve refreshments whenever there is any form of flight disruption as stipulated by the regulations.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
