UNDERSTANDING THE RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF AIR PASSENGERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper analysed the legal framework for the rights and liabilities of air passengers in Nigeria. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2006 which vests the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority with the authority to control aviation safety, consumer protection, and airline obligations, is the main piece of legislation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations which contain comprehensive regulations on passenger rights complements this framework. The paper examined the extent to which passengers are protected by Nigerian law in the event of flight delays, death and personal injuries, and lost or damaged luggage. Additionally, the paper highlighted various challenges in enforcing passengers' rights and recommended various measures aimed at improving the protection of air passengers and enhancing accountability in Nigeria's aviation industry. It adopted the doctrinal legal methodology, relying on primary and secondary legal sources such as statutes, journal articles and internet materials relevant to the subject matter of the study. The study concluded that although Nigeria has a number of international standards in place, effective regulation is nevertheless hampered by lax enforcement and inadequate public knowledge and understanding. It recommended a reassessment of the current legal provisions, sustained public awareness as well as an improvement in the mechanisms of institutional enforcement.