Umuahia, Abia State |August 12, 2025 —
Abia State House of Assembly Member representing Umuahia North Constituency, Hon. Barr Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, has called on Nigerians to familiarise themselves with aviation and airport regulations to ensure safer, smoother, and more respectful air travel experiences.
His remarks come in the wake of recent high-profile incidents at Nigerian airports, including disputes involving individuals and airlines.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Umuahia, Akaliro stressed that understanding air travel rules is not only a matter of safety but also a way of preventing avoidable confrontations between passengers, airline staff, and security agencies.
“Many of the avoidable conflicts we see at our airports are born out of ignorance of basic aviation rules,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of every passenger to know what is expected of them before, during, and after a flight. This includes boarding procedures, luggage policies, and conduct inside the aircraft. When we know the rules, we can avoid unnecessary embarrassment and disruptions.”
The lawmaker, who is also a legal practitioner, urged aviation authorities and airlines to intensify passenger education campaigns, especially in airports with high traffic volumes. He emphasised that a well-informed passenger base would lead to fewer confrontations and a more pleasant travel environment for all.
“Airports should not only be places of transit but also centres of enlightenment,” Akaliro noted.
“There should be clear, accessible information on conduct, rights, and responsibilities. Passengers deserve to know, and airlines have a duty to educate them.”
While calling for public compliance with aviation regulations, Hon. Akaliro also appealed to authorities to treat passengers accused of violating rules with dignity and respect.
“Even when there is a breach, the handling of offenders must be lawful, humane, and devoid of unnecessary humiliation,” he stressed.
“We can enforce discipline without stripping people of their dignity. Respect is a universal currency that costs nothing but means everything.”
He further encouraged Nigerians to see air travel as a shared space where civility and courtesy should be the norm, regardless of social status or public profile.
According to him, setting such standards would not only improve the country’s aviation reputation but also promote Nigeria as a hospitable nation for visitors and investors.
Hon. Akaliro urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and airport management authorities to work together in implementing proactive passenger orientation programmes.
He also suggested that such initiatives be broadcast on national television, radio, and digital platforms to reach both seasoned and first-time travellers.
“Our aviation sector is growing, and with growth comes the responsibility to raise our standards,” Akaliro concluded. “Let us build a culture of mutual respect in our airports, where everyone; from the VIP to the first-time flyer, is treated fairly and passengers play their part in keeping the skies safe and orderly.”
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