The aviation industry in Nigeria is facing a growing concern over unruly passenger behavior, with incidents compromising safety across airports.
According to Yakubu Dati, former commissioner for information in Plateau State, the industry has experienced a significant increase in incidents involving unruly passengers over the past decade. According to him, this rise poses serious challenges to operational efficiency and, at times, compromises aviation safety.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that disruptive passenger events occur at a rate of 1 in every 568 flights, with verbal abuse, intoxication, and non-compliance among the leading causes. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has also identified “air rage” and onboard aggression as safety-critical issues, urging member states to integrate behavioral risk management into their safety frameworks.
During his keynote address at the 2025 Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Safety Week event held at Marriott Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday Dati said effective conflict management within the aviation sector requires the integration of negotiation, mediation, communication, and safety management systems (SMS).
According to him, by adopting a proactive approach to conflict resolution, the industry can enhance organizational cohesion, regulatory compliance, and adherence to international best practices.
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Dati said effective conflict management within the aviation sector requires the integration of negotiation, mediation, communication, and safety management systems (SMS).
“These tools ensure that disagreements are constructively addressed before escalating into crises that could jeopardise passenger safety or disrupt operations,” he said.
He said a proactive approach to conflict resolution also enhances organisational cohesion, regulatory compliance, and adherence to international best practices.
“Therefore, navigating conflict for a safer aviation industry involves not only addressing existing disputes but also developing institutional frameworks, leadership capacities, and communication structures that promote a culture of safety, trust, and collaboration.
“Understanding how conflicts affect aviation operations and exploring strategies for mitigating them is vital for ensuring a secure, efficient, and resilient air transport system capable of supporting global and national development goals,” Dati said.
He explained that in Africa, the growth of regional air connectivity has been accompanied by heightened operational stressors, delays, service gaps, and regulatory pressures that can amplify interpersonal tensions among passengers and staff.
Studies in African airports (Adefemi & Mhlanga, 2022; Journal of Air Transport Management) reveal that poor communication, lack of empathy, and inconsistent enforcement of safety instructions often precede escalation, Dati said.
Also speaking at the event, Mba Ifeoma Lorrettor, general manager, safety services said safety is not just a policy and regulation in FAAN but a foremost value as it defines the authority’s culture, shapes operations, and sustains public trust across airports.
Lorrettor said every department, team, and every individual contributes to this shared responsibility of ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations.
Speaking on the theme of the Safety Week, ‘Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation in Nigeria,’ she said it highlights the importance of collaboration and communication in strengthening the authority’s safety culture.
“It reminds us that even in moments of conflict or challenge, we can find pathways that reinforce unity, accountability, and operational excellence. Over the years, our airports have made notable progress in Safety Management System through adherence to national/international standards and recommended practices, improved reporting systems, and continuous audits,” the GM safety services said.
These achievements, she said reflect the commitment of every member of the authority’s workforce, with the Managing Director/Chief Executive leading from the front.
“As we conclude this year’s Safety Week, let us renew our pledge to uphold a culture of vigilance, discipline, and continuous improvement. Let us remember that every risk identified, every unsafe act corrected, and every standard upheld contributes to the prevention of incidents and accidents.”
David Idris Zacharias, chairman, House of Representative Committee on safety standards and regulations said the committee has commenced legislative processes on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill, also a motion has scaled through on the floor of the House of Representatives to have a dedicated Budget Line for OSH activities across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to Zacharias, the Committee commends FAAN for its proactive efforts in fostering a culture of safety.
“Though safety is a continuous process, areas of improvement should be looked into. You are encouraged to sustain partnership among government agencies, operators, and professionals to advance Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in aviation safety,” he said.
Olubunmi Kuku, managing director, FAAN said to address safety concerns across Nigerian airports, the authority has trained frontline personnel in conflict de-escalation and behavioral awareness and enhance passenger facilitation processes to reduce stress and miscommunication.
Kuku who was represented by Emiola Luqman, Director of Human Resources and Administration, FAAN said the authority is also strengthening inter-agency collaboration to ensure clarity of roles and unified responses to conflict.
She said efforts are also being made to foster a culture of respect, professionalism and accountability across all airports.
