Nigeria to Sanction Errant International Airlines

Abuja — Nigeria Government has threatened punitive action against international airline operators that flout local immigration regulations.

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, warned such companies of "dire consequences."

"Government cannot continue to condone the practice of subjecting Nigerians to all forms of suffering," the minister said.

"... either by making them walk long distances before boarding or using small aircrafts that would not carry them along with their luggage to their destinations."

Sirika said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been directed to invoke all relevant laws to protect the interest and rights of Nigerians and others from being flagrantly abused the airlines.

The minister spoke in Abuja where he met a delegation from the Emirates Group.

He meanwhile assured that the on-going construction of the second terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja would be ready before the end of the year.

He stated that its completion would improve the comfort and convenience of both airline operators and the flying public.