Nigeria Responds After Issuing Threat To Kenya Airways Over Clash With Passenger
NCAA Director Michael Achimugu condemned the airline for how it handled the situation, claiming it had a long history of alleged maltreatment of Nigerian passengers, including NCAA staff.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has moved to avert a possible eruption of a diplomatic row between the West African nation and Kenya following a viral video of a heated confrontation between a passenger and a Kenya Airways agent at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Earlier, in response to the incident, NCAA Director Michael Achimugu condemned the airline for how it handled the situation, claiming it had a long history of alleged maltreatment of Nigerian passengers, including NCAA staff. Viral Tea could not independently verify these claims.
In his response to Kenya Airways' tell-all statement explaining the matter, he stated that while he acknowledged that unruly behaviour at airports is unacceptable and could lead to blacklisting or fines, he emphasized that there was “no justification for attempting to forcibly delete her video.” This implied that the airline might have been trying to suppress evidence of the incident, raising concerns about transparency.
Another key issue he raised was the boarding process in Lagos, arguing that if the passenger was ineligible to travel due to visa requirements, Kenya Airways should not have issued her a boarding pass in Lagos. He also pointed out that she had previously travelled to Nigeria on the same airline and route, highlighting a potential inconsistency in the enforcement of travel regulations.
Aircraft at an airport and a logo of NCAA. /MSME AFRICA
Additionally, the NCAA demanded that Kenya Airways provide CCTV footage to support its claim that the passenger threw sanitary towels at its staff. This request underscored the importance of verifying the full context of the altercation before reaching conclusions.
To address the escalating tensions, the NCAA summoned Kenya Airways’ Acting Station Manager in Lagos for a mandatory meeting at 1 PM, where all issues related to the case would be reviewed.
Achimugu also gave a warning to KQ on the possible repercussions should they fail to solve the issue. “If Ms Gloria Ibukun Omisore is not airlifted safely to her final destination within a couple of hours, there will be ramifications. There are limits that must not be crossed and, in 2025, you will treat Nigerian passengers better.” he wrote on X.
However, his sentiments attracted backlash from Kenyans online who had condemned the matter, particularly after the airline disclosed that the enraged passenger allegedly removed and threw three used sanitary pads at airline staff, despite an equally fierce response from Nigerian netizens, putting diplomatic ties of the two countries at risk.
Achimugu as of 4.17 pm posted on X that KQ had asked for an extension of time to enable them to provide further details, stating that "The situation is calm in Nairobi."
"Security personnel are ensuring the safety of the passenger. Per our discussion with the station manager, the passenger will be flown back to Nigeria tonight. This is agreeable on all sides," he wrote, underlining that "The safety and comfort of all Nigerian passengers remain a priority for the Nigeria CAA."
"Passengers are also warned to desist from unruly behaviour at ANY airport. This is a message we have preached relentlessly. Always report grievances to the NCAA and allow the regulations to take effect," he cautioned.
Kenya Airways in its statement revealed that the passenger was travelling from Lagos in Nigeria to Nairobi, Paris in France, and Manchester in England, and was found to not possess a SCHENGEN Visa, which is a requirement for her to enter any European Union Country.
Efforts to convince the passenger to alternatively travel through London and onward to Manchester were turned down by the passenger, raising questions among a section of netizens regarding travelling between international destinations through crafty means that include more than one stopover to avoid high immigration scrutiny.
KQ further reported that the passenger was displeased with the option and started demanding accommodation which the airline said does not provide in cases where boarding is denied due to visa requirements, adding that it is the responsibility of passengers to ensure they have the necessary documentation for their journey.
The carrier maintained that as they remain committed to delivering exceptional services to their customers, they condemned such conduct, adding passenger and agent interactions should always be respectful.
This incident has revived debates about how airlines treat African passengers, especially Nigerians. Many Nigerians voiced their frustrations on social media, recounting past experiences of alleged discrimination and poor treatment by certain airlines. Critics argue that airlines sometimes apply rules inconsistently and may exhibit bias against African travellers.
On the other hand, some emphasized that passengers also have a responsibility to ensure they meet all travel requirements before departure. While acknowledging that Kenya Airways could have managed the situation more effectively, they contended that the passenger’s alleged reaction was inappropriate.
