The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has called for tougher sanctions against disruptive air passengers, warning that continued leniency risks endangering safety across the nation’s airports.
In a letter to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the association said inconsistent enforcement has encouraged a culture of disregard for airport authority.
“Past leniency has created a perception of impunity, a culture now threatening the safety of staff, passengers, and the entire aviation system,” NAFSA said.
The association cited recent cases involving former Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole, fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, and a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson as examples of how disorderly conduct undermines order at airports.
It warned that without deterrent sanctions, such incidents could multiply during the end-of-year travel season. “Unruly passengers are a serious threat, not just to staff but to other travellers and airport security as a whole,” it stated.
NAFSA acknowledged awareness campaigns by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), but stressed that education must be backed by enforcement. It also commended Mr. Keyamo’s handling of the Emmanson case but cautioned against what it called “patterns of forgiveness.”
“No disorderly passenger should be pardoned in future cases,” the association said, calling for a zero-tolerance approach.
The body recommended faster adjudication of complaints, retraining of aviation staff in conflict management, and regular staff rotation at sensitive posts to maintain discipline. It added that passengers who threaten safety should be taken off flights immediately, even if cancellations occur.
“Delays in addressing misconduct could erode public confidence in the aviation justice system and compromise security,” NAFSA warned.
Founded nearly three decades ago, NAFSA represents aviation fire-fighters, rescue and safety personnel across airports and works with FAAN, NCAA, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
The group has previously raised concerns about runway excursions, unsafe flight operations during strikes, and government policies it argued undermined aviation safety functions.
