From ₦32.7M in 2023 to ₦257M in 2025: Nigerian Aviation Strengthens Passenger Rights
Aero Contractors, established in 1959, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected domestic airlines. Over six decades, it has grown into a reliable provider of passenger and cargo services, with a reputation for safety, operational consistency, and compliance with regulatory standards. The airline operates primarily within Nigeria, connecting key cities and regions, and plays a critical role in the nation’s domestic air transport infrastructure.
In the current operational update of the Aero Contractors, has achieved a 137% increase in passenger refunds in the first eight months of 2025, a milestone in Nigeria’s civil aviation history, according to Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The data, shared via the official NCAA Twitter/X handle (@NigeriaCAA), shows that the airline paid a total of ₦257,195,724.39 in refunds from January to August 2025, up from ₦108,308,037.40 in 2024 and ₦32,766,652.30 in 2023.
The figures reflect a remarkable improvement in compliance with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which governs passenger rights, refunds, and service standards across Nigerian airlines.
HOTAC Payments Highlight Passenger Care
Aero Contractors also spent ₦6,083,229 on hotel accommodation (HOTAC) for passengers from January to July 2025. Verified payments were made to reputable hotels including Cocos Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotel (Abuja), NOCY Castle Hotel, Kim Royal Hotel, JC42 Apartment (Asaba), and Mayor & Diplomat Hotel (Lagos), demonstrating the airline’s commitment to passenger welfare during travel disruptions.
Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Achimugu said, “These figures cut across most of the airlines. This is one of our proudest achievements, knowing that way more passengers are being protected now than ever before in the 25-year history of the NCAA.”
He further emphasized the importance of protecting airline staff and cabin crew against violence and assault, adding, “May safety continue to be the foundation of the industry as we grow towards the attainment of world-class service across the board.”
Over the past three years, Aero Contractors’ approach to refunds has evolved dramatically. In 2023, total refunds stood at just ₦32 million, reflecting early regulatory enforcement. By 2024, improvements in operational systems and awareness pushed refunds to ₦108 million, and in 2025, they skyrocketed to over ₦257 million. This growth signals a new standard of transparency, accountability, and passenger rights protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Industry analysts note that these developments restore passenger confidence and encourage airlines to adopt more robust compliance systems, while aligning Nigerian aviation standards with international best practices.
Looking Ahead
As the sector grows, stakeholders emphasize maintaining passenger-centered policies, staff safety, and strong regulatory oversight. Achimugu’s comments via the NCAA Twitter/X account underscore the Authority’s commitment to world-class service, operational transparency, and safety across the aviation industry.
Key Figures:
- 2023 Refunds: ₦32,766,652.30
- 2024 Refunds: ₦108,308,037.40
- 2025 Refunds: ₦257,195,724.39
- HOTAC Payments (Jan–Jul 2025): ₦6,083,229
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
