Owonikoko, SAN, Champions Air Passengers’ Rights at Workshop in Lagos
Juweirat Law Resource Centre ,Synergy Attornies , Workshop , Air Passengers’ Rights, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko
Owonikoko, SAN, Champions Air Passengers’ Rights at Workshop in Lagos
Legal luminaries and aviation stakeholders have called for a strategic reset in how airlines treat travelers, following a high-profile workshop hosted by the Juweirat Law Resource Centre and Synergy Attornies.
The event, themed ‘Air Passengers’ Rights Under the Law: Ethical Obligations and Strategic Compliance,’ served as a critical forum for addressing the systemic gaps in consumer protection within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Juweirat Law Resource Centre
A Call for Ethical Compliance
Hosting the event, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, Principal Partner at Synergy Attornies, emphasized that while laws exist to protect travelers, a lack of awareness and ethical compliance by operators remains a major hurdle.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, echoed these sentiments in a keynote address delivered via representatives.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s stance on strengthening regulatory oversight, making it clear that accountability is the cornerstone of a modern aviation sector.
Dissecting the Legal Framework
A panel of distinguished experts, including Michael Achimugu (NCAA), Toyin Bashorun, SAN, Kehinde Ojuawo and Ibrahim Omale, provided deep insights into the rights and obligations of both passengers and airlines.
The workshop
Key topics included:
The Montreal Convention 1999: A deep dive into this international treaty, which governs airline liability for delays, baggage loss and passenger injury.
The Duty of Care:
Clarifying the mandatory provision of refreshments, meals and hotel accommodation during significant flight disruptions.
Operational Security: Exploring the legal implications of passenger conduct and the jurisdictional complexities of resolving international disputes.
Innovative Solutions for Dispute Resolution
The workshop concluded with a strong call for practical reforms.
In his closing remarks, Owonikoko, urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to consider engaging licensing agents to facilitate the efficient resolution of passenger claims.
Owonikoko, expressed optimism that establishing viable small-claims resolution mechanisms would bypass lengthy litigation, restoring consumer confidence and driving better service delivery across Nigeria’s airspace.
