BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has expressed resounding confidence in Captain Chris Najomo, the acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), appealing to the federal government to confirm him as the substantive head of the regulatory body in view of his laudable leadership since his appointment last year.
Prominent voices in the AON, including Dr. Allen Onyema, Vice President, and Professor Obiora Okonkwo, its spokesperson, who are amplifying the call for his confirmation said he has shimmering credentials and key performance indicators, which show that his confirmation is long overdue.
The two prominent aviation stakeholders asserted that Najomo’s administration remains a a turning point in the Nigerian aviation landscape.
Onyema and Okonkwo who spoke at the International Air Transport Conference in Lagos
commended Najomo’s unparalleled reforms, which have elevated NCAA to global recognition, enhanced aviation safety, and fostered an enabling environment for domestic airlines.
In his remarks, Dr. Allen Onyema, Vice President of AON and Chairman of Air Peace, passionately highlighted Najomo’s illustrious aviation career and administrative excellence.
“This is a man who has come into the industry; he is not a novice at all,” Onyema stated. “Captain Chris Najomo is one of Nigeria’s finest pilots ever created under the sun.
He has paid his dues—not only as a pilot but also as a former Managing Director of an airline. He understands the pains of operators, and his leadership has brought smiles to the faces of everyone at the NCAA.”
Onyema emphasised Najomo’s impact on the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation sector: “The AON affirms that under Najomo’s regime, the ease of doing business has become a reality. The aviation industry is enjoying his reforms, which have revolutionized safety inspections and streamlined operations.
For example, aircraft post-arrival inspections, which previously took over a month, are now completed in three days. This is efficiency at its best.”
He praised Najomo’s zero-tolerance policy for safety violations: “Captain Najomo will not compromise safety. When inspections reveal non-compliance, the aircraft is sent back.
He has saved Nigeria enormous resources by ensuring inspections are conducted locally and efficiently, reducing costs and delays.”
Onyema also lauded President Tinubu for appointing visionary leaders, including Najomo and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo.
“President Tinubu has brought a positive revolution to the aviation industry. Festus Keyamo, for instance, has tackled Nigeria’s unofficial blacklisting in the global leasing community, opening new opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
These appointments have transformed the sector.” Professor Obiora Okonkwo on his part described Najomo as a legend in the aviation industry.
“Captain Najomo is a blessing to the industry. With over 20,000 flight hours, he is a flying legend, and his practical experience as a pilot, operator, and manager has made NCAA one of the best aviation regulatory agencies in the world.”
Okonkwo shared personal anecdotes illustrating Najomo’s hands-on leadership: “Once, I needed a landing permit urgently for a chartered flight. Despite being in Turkey at 2 a.m., Najomo approved the permit within an hour. This level of commitment is rare.”
He continued: “Najomo has dismantled bureaucratic bottlenecks that plagued the industry. Tasks that used to take months are now completed within days. For example, I brought two aircraft into Nigeria, and their inspections and certifications were completed within 24 hours—unprecedented in our regulatory history.”
Both Onyema and Okonkwo urged the government to confirm Najomo as the substantive NCAA DG, emphasising the need for continuity.
“The appointment of Captain Najomo is a square peg in a square hole,” Onyema stated. “The ease of doing business is back, and we cannot afford to lose this momentum. We thank Mr. President for this visionary leadership.”
Professor Okonkwo added a heartfelt appeal: “My only fear is what we will do without ‘Papa Aviation’ when his tenure eventually expires. Nigeria must ensure the sustainability of these reforms and explore other regulatory aspects to position the country as an aviation hub.”
