Royal Air Maroc Criticized by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), publicly criticized Royal Air Maroc (RAM) on July 23 for ongoing issues with baggage management, passenger service, and resolving complaints from Nigerian travelers. He warned that the NCAA might seek to suspend the airline’s flights in Nigeria.
Achimugu noted that RAM had previously been sanctioned in 2025 for violations of consumer rights, and he stated that the situation has not improved. He also criticized RAM’s lack of participation in meetings with the regulatory authority.
He emphasized that the strong relationship between Morocco and Nigeria should not be taken for granted by RAM, mentioning a disrespectful response from RAM’s Nigeria Manager, Ahmed Boussouf.
While disputes between the two entities are not new, the current backlash has intensified, featuring personal criticisms and leaks of private conversations, which is unprecedented in the NCAA’s relationship with the airline.
Interestingly, Achimugu suggested three alternative airlines for Nigerian passengers: EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Algérie. The first two have extensive African networks, while the mention of Air Algérie caught the attention of Moroccan media, as the Algerian airline operates only one weekly flight between Algiers and Abuja since April 2025, whereas RAM has three daily flights to Nigeria with a primarily Nigerian clientele.
Moroccan media interpret this mention of Air Algérie as a potential maneuver by Algeria to counter Morocco’s diplomatic and economic advancement in Africa amidst historical tensions between the two Maghreb countries.
