The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to suspend the operations of Moroccan carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), over what it described as persistent violations of consumer protection regulations and poor treatment of Nigerian passengers.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, who accused the airline of repeatedly failing to address longstanding complaints despite previous regulatory sanctions.
In a statement shared on his X account, Achimugu alleged that Royal Air Maroc has consistently ranked among the worst-performing international airlines in the handling of passenger complaints, particularly those relating to delayed baggage and customer service.
According to him, the airline frequently fails to promptly notify passengers about delayed luggage, does not consistently provide the mandatory first-needs assistance, and only responds to complaints after intervention by the aviation regulator.
He also accused the airline of showing disregard for the authority by repeatedly failing to honour invitations to regulatory meetings.
Achimugu alleged that Royal Air Maroc's Country Manager, Ahmed Boussouf, had consistently declined to attend meetings convened by the NCAA in Abuja, opting instead to send a representative who lacked the authority to resolve disputes or make binding commitments on behalf of the airline.
He further claimed that during one of the recent engagements, Boussouf responded dismissively to the regulator's concerns by saying, "Whatever you want to do, do."
Describing the alleged conduct as unacceptable, Achimugu said the NCAA, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, would not tolerate continued disregard for Nigerian passengers or the country's aviation regulations.
He disclosed that his department would recommend the suspension of Royal Air Maroc's operations in Nigeria until the airline demonstrates a firm commitment to improving its treatment of passengers and complying with consumer protection rules.
According to him, the regulator intends to pursue stricter enforcement measures against the airline, stressing that international carriers operating under Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) are required to comply with Nigerian aviation regulations and maintain acceptable service standards.
Achimugu also warned that the airline should not take Nigeria's longstanding diplomatic relationship with Morocco for granted, adding that the NCAA would ensure tougher penalties for any further violations.
Royal Air Maroc was among five airlines sanctioned by the NCAA on December 28, 2024, alongside Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines, Arik Air and Aero Contractors, for breaching provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 relating to consumer protection.
The Moroccan airline later paid the fine imposed over the infractions in September 2025.
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