Following the incessant Complaints lodged by members of the public against the Aviation industry in Nigeria, the Public Complaints Commission ( Nigerian ombudsman) has embarked on a systemic investigation into the Aviation industry with a view to finding the root causes of administrative lapses in the industry.

Some of these complaints include; delayed flights, loss of baggage, cancelation of flights, damaged luggage, refusal to compensate or refund money paid and lack of proper communication among others.

The Honourable Chief Commissioner, Hon. Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf who has expressed displeasure with the increasing number of complaints against the Airlines operating in the country has directed that systemic investigation should be conducted to know the root causes of the complaints.

As part of investigation, a Case Conference convened by the Commission to bring together all the Airlines and the Regulatory Authorities in the Aviation Industry for deliberation on the complaints lodged against the Industry has started since Wednesday, 5th July, 2023 at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Some of the operating Airlines that have already been invited included, Airpeace, Arik Airline , Green Africa Airline and Value Jet Airline among others.

Addressing officers of the Airlines in the Opening session, the Honorable Commissioner representing Ekiti State office of the Commission, Hon. Olukayode Bamisile who is chairing the ongoing Case Conference stated that the investigation is not a witch hunting mission but an attempt to ensure optimal service delivery. He urged all the Airlines and regulatory bodies invited to cooperate and to take every complaint seriously.

The Conference is being co-chaired by the Honourable Commissioner representing Abia State Office of the Commission , Hon. Madukwe Ukaegbu.

Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing Systemic investigation into the Aviation Industry, an Investigation Team led by Hon. Olukayode Bamisile and the Management staff of the Commission’s Headquarters was on an On- the- spot Investigation Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Friday to get a first hand information on the operations at the Airport.

The Team was received by the Regional Manager of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Dr. Adamu Adamu who conducted them round the Airport.

Honourable Olukayode Bamisile who briefed the Airport Authority about the ongoing Investigation promised that the report from the investigation will be made available to the appropriate authorities for further necessary steps.

FAAN, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and other Airline Operators have been invited to attend the Case Conference next week.