NCAA fines RwandAir ₦15m for baggage complaint, orders bag replace and $170 pay
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined RwandAir ₦15 million for failing to resolve a passenger’s baggage complaint within the stipulated timeframe. The authority also directed the airline to replace the damaged bag and pay $170 as first-need compensation under Part 19 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2023. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, disclosed the sanction on Friday via a post on X. Under Nig.CARs 2023, passengers on international flights whose baggage is delayed are entitled to $170 to cover immediate necessities such as toiletries and clothing while waiting for luggage; similar compensation applies for lost or damaged baggage attributable to the airline. The NCAA says all airlines operating in Nigeria must comply with these consumer protection provisions, and passengers can escalate unresolved complaints to the Authority’s Consumer Protection Department. This enforcement follows the NCAA’s August announcement of plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology across domestic and international terminals to improve luggage tracking and reduce missing or misrouted baggage. Knowing your rights means you can claim $170 for delayed baggage and request a replacement for damaged items; keep receipts, boarding passes, and baggage tags, and if the airline does not act, you can lodge a complaint with the NCAA Consumer Protection Dept via email or phone.