Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to suspend the operations of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) in Nigeria following allegations of repeated consumer protection violations and poor treatment of Nigerian passengers.
The warning was issued by Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NCAA, who accused the Moroccan airline of failing to address longstanding complaints despite previous regulatory action.
In a statement shared on X, Achimugu alleged that Royal Air Maroc had consistently performed poorly in areas including baggage handling, passenger support during disruptions, and complaint resolution.
He said the airline had become one of the biggest offenders in Nigeria’s aviation sector regarding passenger-related complaints, particularly over delayed baggage and inadequate assistance to affected travellers.
“The airline, Royal Air Maroc, has for the longest time, been the biggest culprit when it comes to baggage infractions, poor passenger handling, and extremely poor resolution processes when dealing with Nigerian passengers,” Achimugu said.
The NCAA official further accused the airline of failing to cooperate fully with regulatory engagements, claiming that representatives of the airline had repeatedly ignored invitations to attend meetings with the aviation authority in Abuja.
According to Achimugu, Royal Air Maroc’s country manager, Ahmed Boussouf, had remained based in Lagos while failing to attend important regulatory meetings in Abuja. He alleged that the airline often sent last-minute emails indicating that complaints were being processed rather than sending representatives with authority to resolve disputes.
The latest confrontation reportedly followed another disagreement between the NCAA and the airline’s management over unresolved passenger complaints.
Achimugu quoted the country manager as responding, “Whatever you want to do, do,” during an interaction with the authority, describing the response as unacceptable and disrespectful to Nigeria’s aviation regulator.
He stressed that the NCAA would not tolerate non-compliance from any airline operating in the country, regardless of its international status or agreements.
“Strict enforcement will happen against this airline and my department will push for a stoppage of Royal Air Maroc operations in Nigeria until they make a commitment to treat Nigerian passengers better,” Achimugu said.
He added that international airlines operating in Nigeria under bilateral air service agreements are required to comply with Nigerian aviation regulations and maintain acceptable standards of passenger service.
The NCAA has previously taken enforcement action against several airlines over consumer protection issues. In December 2024, the authority sanctioned multiple carriers, including Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Royal Air Maroc, for alleged violations of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
Royal Air Maroc later paid the penalty imposed by the aviation authority in September 2025 following the consumer protection infractions.
The renewed threat against the airline comes amid increasing attention from Nigerian aviation authorities on passenger rights and service standards. Regulators have repeatedly expressed concerns about delayed flights, lost baggage, poor communication during disruptions, and difficulties passengers face when seeking compensation or refunds.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has continued to experience growing passenger traffic, increasing pressure on airlines and regulators to improve service delivery. The NCAA has maintained that protecting travellers remains one of its key responsibilities and that airlines must meet obligations under national aviation laws.
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier, operates international routes connecting Nigeria with Morocco and other destinations through its network. The airline is one of several foreign carriers serving Nigeria’s major airports.
The potential suspension of operations would require further regulatory procedures and could affect passengers who rely on the airline for regional and international connections. However, the NCAA has not announced an immediate suspension date, stating that the airline would first need to demonstrate commitment towards improving passenger services.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between aviation regulators and airlines over compliance with consumer protection rules. Nigerian authorities have increasingly adopted stricter measures against carriers accused of failing to meet passenger service obligations.
As the NCAA continues its review of Royal Air Maroc’s operations, the regulator has warned that further violations could attract stronger penalties, including possible restrictions on the airline’s ability to operate within Nigeria.
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