Lagos, Nigeria – The Juweirat Law Resource Centre, in collaboration with Synergy Attorneys, recently organized a one-day workshop focused on strengthening awareness of air passengers’ rights and promoting ethical compliance within the aviation industry. The workshop, themed “Air Passengers’ Rights Under the Law: Ethical Obligations and Strategic Compliance,” brought together legal practitioners, aviation professionals, regulators, and other key stakeholders to examine the legal frameworks guiding passenger protection and airline responsibilities both within Nigeria and internationally.
The event was hosted by Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, Principal Partner at Synergy Attorneys, who highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue and education on passenger rights. He noted that improving awareness among both passengers and industry operators is essential for strengthening accountability and ensuring ethical conduct across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The workshop featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. Representatives from the Ministry and relevant aviation agencies conveyed the government’s commitment to enhancing passenger protection, strengthening regulatory oversight, and ensuring that airlines operating in Nigeria adhere to established standards and obligations.
Several distinguished speakers contributed to the discussions, including Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Toyin Bashorun, SAN, Principal Partner at Ms Churchfields Solicitors; Kehinde Ojuawo, Partner at Banwo and Ighodalo; and Ibrahim Omale, an ICAO Aviation Security Instructor and Manager.
During their presentations, the speakers examined a range of issues affecting airline passengers, including flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, denied boarding, aviation insurance, and airline obligations during service disruptions. They also discussed the responsibilities of airlines in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Particular attention was given to the Montreal Convention, an international agreement that outlines airline liability and compensation in situations involving delayed flights, lost or damaged baggage, and passenger injuries during air travel. Participants were guided through how the convention applies in practice and its significance in protecting passengers’ rights across jurisdictions.
Discussions further addressed the entitlements of passengers during travel disruptions. These include access to refreshments during extended delays, hotel accommodation and meals when flights are cancelled, and the required notification periods for changes affecting domestic and international flights. The workshop also explored the legal and operational implications of passenger conduct, aviation security protocols, and jurisdictional challenges that may arise in resolving cross-border aviation disputes.
The event attracted strong participation from professionals within the aviation and legal communities, as well as members of the public interested in consumer protection within the sector. In addition to the physical attendance, a large online audience joined the discussions, reflecting the growing interest in aviation law and passenger rights in Nigeria.
An interactive question-and-answer session enabled participants to engage directly with the speakers, raising practical concerns about airline accountability, compensation procedures, and the enforcement of aviation regulations. The session provided valuable insight into how existing legal frameworks can be applied more effectively to address passenger complaints and disputes.
At the conclusion of the workshop, awards of appreciation were presented to the speakers in recognition of their contributions to advancing discussions on aviation law and consumer protection.
In his closing remarks, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to consider engaging licensing agents as a practical measure to facilitate the resolution of passenger complaints and claims. He expressed optimism that developing effective conflict resolution and small-claims mechanisms within the aviation sector would enhance consumer confidence and contribute to improved service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
