Air Passengers Rights Workshop in Nigeria brings legal, aviation experts and regulators together to strengthen awareness, compliance, and passenger protection

The Juweirat Law Resource Centre, in partnership with Synergy Attornies, successfully hosted a one-day workshop themed “Air Passengers’ Rights Under the Law: Ethical Obligations and Strategic Compliance”, bringing together legal practitioners, aviation experts, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

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The workshop, hosted by Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, Principal Partner at Synergy Attornies, focused on strengthening awareness of passengers’ rights while promoting ethical compliance across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Festus Keyamo, affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing passenger protection, regulatory oversight, and accountability within the aviation industry.

Distinguished speakers included Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Toyin Bashorun, Principal Partner at Ms Churchfields Solicitors; Kehinde Ojuawo, Partner at Banwo and Ighodalo; and Ibrahim Omale, ICAO Aviation Security Instructor and Manager.

Participants discussed a wide range of passenger issues, including flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, denied boarding, aviation insurance, passenger safety, and airline obligations during service disruptions.

The workshop highlighted the Montreal Convention of 1999, which governs airline liability and compensation for delays, lost baggage, and passenger injuries internationally.

Other topics included passengers’ rights to refreshments, hotel accommodation, meals during flight cancellations, and required notification periods for domestic and international flight changes.

Attendees also explored legal and operational implications of passenger conduct, aviation security protocols, and jurisdictional challenges in international aviation disputes.

The event attracted a full house of participants and a strong online audience, reflecting growing public interest in passenger rights and consumer protection.

An interactive question-and-answer session allowed attendees to engage directly with speakers on practical concerns such as airline accountability, compensation procedures, and regulatory enforcement.

Awards of appreciation were presented to the speakers in recognition of their contributions to advancing aviation law and passenger protection.

In his closing remarks, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to consider engaging licensing agents to improve the efficiency of passenger claims and complaints.

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He also expressed optimism about the development of conflict and small-claims resolution mechanisms to strengthen consumer confidence and service delivery across the sector.