NCAA threatens Royal Air Maroc sanctions over defiance, poor passenger handling
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has threatened sanctions against Royal Air Maroc, citing a history of defiance against its regulatory authority and poor treatment of Nigerian passengers.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened sanctions against Royal Air Maroc, citing a history of defiance against its regulatory authority and poor treatment of Nigerian passengers . Michael Achimugu, the NCAA spokesperson, announced the development in a post on X, stating that the airline has become a serial offender regarding baggage infractions, poor passenger handling and inadequate resolution of customer complaints .
“Having been sanctioned for consumer protection-related infractions in 2025, one would have expected major improvements in how they attend to complaints from Nigerian passengers,” Achimugu noted . He added that despite the authority’s support to ensure the airline remains operational, there has been little improvement. “Baggage continues to be short-landed without timely information to affected passengers, compensation is not paid consistently, and complaints are often only addressed after the NCAA intervenes and applies significant pressure.”
The NCAA further alleged that the airline treats invitations from the regulatory agency with “a degree of insolence that is unacceptable.” Achimugu claimed that Royal Air Maroc’s country manager, Ahmed Boussouf, typically remains in Lagos and refuses to attend meetings in Abuja, instead sending representatives who lack the authority to make decisions or resolve cases . Describing a recent incident, the spokesperson alleged that during an attempt to address these recurring issues, Boussouf disregarded the agency’s authority, telling the regulator, “Whatever you want to do, do.”
“While our job may be thankless and exhausting, the NCAA, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister Festus Keyamo, and the DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo will never be diminished to such a level of brazen disregard and non-compliance,” Achimugu stated .
The dispute highlights the challenges of regulating international airlines operating in Nigeria. The NCAA has the authority to sanction airlines for non-compliance, but enforcement can be difficult when dealing with foreign carriers. The standoff with Royal Air Maroc is a test of the NCAA’s regulatory authority and its willingness to hold international airlines accountable.
The Nigerian stake is clear. Nigerian passengers deserve fair treatment, and the NCAA has a responsibility to protect their rights. The dispute also raises questions about Nigeria’s standing in the international aviation community and the government’s ability to enforce its regulations.
This echoes the 2019 dispute between the NCAA and British Airways over passenger treatment, which also involved sanctions and regulatory pressure. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a regulator asserting its authority over an international airline.
The winners: the NCAA, which is asserting its authority; and Nigerian passengers, who deserve better treatment. The losers: Royal Air Maroc, which faces potential sanctions; and the Nigerian government, which must ensure that its regulations are respected.
Bottom Line: Royal Air Maroc is in trouble with the NCAA. The airline is accused of defiance and poor passenger handling. The regulator is threatening sanctions. The question is whether the airline will comply or face the consequences.