“It Is The Duty of Aviation Organisations To Ensure The Highest Safety Levels”- NBA President Osigwe Raises Alarm On Air And Exam Crises In Nigeria
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has raised serious concerns over increasing threats to air travel safety and the credibility of public examinations in Nigeria.
Speaking at the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin on May 15, 2025, Osigwe cited recent airline delays, flight cancellations, and a wildlife collision at Abuja airport as alarming indicators of negligence in the aviation sector.
“It is the duty of the various aviation organisations to ensure that the highest safety levels are maintained,” Osigwe said, referencing a recent incident where an Air Peace aircraft struck an antelope on the runway of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He warned that bird strikes, stray animals, and poor runway surveillance are exposing passengers to unacceptable risks, calling for urgent reforms to wildlife management and airport security protocols. The NBA President also condemned airlines for casually disregarding passenger rights clearly outlined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations.
According to Osigwe, airlines continue to violate rules that require them to provide food, accommodation, and transport during delays or cancellations, without consequences. He stressed the need for stronger enforcement of consumer protection laws in the aviation industry.
Turning to the education sector, Osigwe expressed deep concern over the errors admitted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He stated that while JAMB’s transparency is commendable, cancelling results for entire centres based on suspicion of malpractice undermines fairness and public trust.
The NBA, Osigwe affirmed, will continue to demand accountability from institutions that affect the rights and futures of Nigerians, whether in education or transportation.
