BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Aviation workers’ unions have praised the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu, for promoting the image of the agency and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Olayinka Abioye, gave the commendation during a congress of aviation unions at the NCAA Regional Office in Lagos on Tuesday.
Abioye congratulated Achimugu on his recent awards, praising his efforts to improve communication between the NCAA, airlines, passengers and other stakeholders in the aviation industry.
He described Achimugu as a professional whose work had helped improve the agency’s public image and raise awareness of its consumer protection responsibilities.
“Is anybody from the office of the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA? We extend our congratulations to him for his recent awards. That man is a wonderful guy. Please clap for him,” Abioye said, drawing applause from participants.
He added that Achimugu’s work was giving the NCAA a positive reputation both within Nigeria and internationally.
“He is giving the NCAA a very good image internationally and within the country,” he said.
The commendation comes amid several awards Achimugu has received in 2026 for his contributions to aviation communication, consumer protection and passenger rights advocacy.
On October 5, 2026, he received the Protocol Man of the Year Award from the Centre for Protocol Profession Development and the Council of Protocol Professionals.
The award was presented during the 13th International Protocol Officers Conference, Workshop and Awards in Lagos.
Achimugu was represented at the ceremony by the Assistant General Manager, Education and Awareness Unit, Mrs. Ekeh Okam.
He thanked the organisers and pledged to continue promoting the rights and responsibilities of air travellers and aviation operators in Nigeria.
Earlier, on June 29, he received the 2026/2027 African Brands Personality Award at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.
The award recognised his contributions to consumer protection and passenger rights advocacy.
He also received the Aviation Agency Director Award at the 15th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards in Lagos on April 17, in recognition of his role in improving consumer protection and engagement with industry stakeholders.
As head of the NCAA’s Public Affairs and Consumer Protection directorate, Achimugu is responsible for communicating the agency’s regulatory activities, educating passengers about their rights and addressing consumer complaints.
His directorate also provides information on issues such as flight delays and cancellations, baggage problems and ticket refunds, while facilitating communication between the regulator, airlines, the media and the travelling public.
Staff of the directorate welcomed the unions’ commendation, saying it highlighted the importance of professional communication and constructive relationships between the aviation regulator and industry stakeholders.
They added that effective public engagement was essential to building trust, promoting accountability and improving services in the aviation sector.
The NCAA is responsible for regulating Nigeria’s civil aviation industry, with a mandate that includes aviation safety, compliance with regulations and consumer protection.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
