NCAA backs new tech-driven platform to tackle flight disruptions in Nigeria
Stories by Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has endorsed a new client-focused solution aimed at addressing persistent flight disruption issues within the country’s air travel sector.
Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative in Lagos on Thursday, the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, described the innovation as a breakthrough for passenger protection and service reliability.
The platform, known as the Propel Re-Protection System, was developed by a consortium of three industry players: Aero Assist Hub, Avitech Technology Solutions, and Leadway Assurance. It is designed to assist Nigerian airlines in automatically rebooking passengers onto alternative flights in cases of delays or cancellations.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigerian civil aviation,” Najomo said. “The Honourable Minister is clear in his expectations: flight disruptions must be minimised. This solution offers the kind of coordinated, tech-enabled support our industry needs. Passengers are at the heart of everything we do, and they deserve service that meets international standards.”
Najomo confirmed that several domestic airlines had already expressed support for the system.
“We are proud to present the Propel solution, initiated by Aero Assist Hub,” he said. “If they earn your buy-in — and I hope they do — we could be witnessing the beginning of a major turnaround in passenger service within the Nigerian aviation industry.”
Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, Mr Olugbinde Ojutelayo, explained that the Propel system was the result of extensive collaboration among the three partner organisations. According to him, the consortium not only developed the concept but also brought financial backing to ensure sustainability.
“This is not just another idea. We’re offering a comprehensive, practical, and fully funded solution to one of the aviation sector’s biggest headaches,” Ojutelayo said. “We know Nigerian airlines operate on tight margins, and when disruptions occur, their ability to respond is often limited. Propel will address that challenge directly.”
He revealed that the pilot phase of the programme is scheduled to launch in August and will run for eight months before entering the next stage of rollout.
From a legal standpoint, the system ensures that existing consumer rights remain intact. Funke Junaid, Head of the Legal Unit at Aero Assist Hub, clarified that Propel complements existing regulations without interfering with passengers' legal entitlements.
“Passengers will continue to derive their rights directly from the airlines,” Junaid said. “The Propel platform strengthens those rights by making it easier to deliver solutions promptly. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders — the passengers, the airlines, and the regulators.”
Also speaking at the event, Diana Mulili, a representative from Leadway Assurance, described the Propel solution as a game-changer in the Nigerian aviation space.
“When we examined the issue of flight disruptions, we recognised a systemic challenge across the board. The Propel solution introduces a simple mechanism: for a minimal insurance premium, a passenger affected by a flight disruption will automatically be rebooked on another available airline, with no stress,” Mulili explained.
The Propel Re-Protection System is expected to usher in a new era of operational reliability and consumer confidence in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market, offering passengers greater assurance in the face of travel uncertainties.