BY Michael Achimugu
The Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Directorate of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Michael Achimugu, has for the umpteenth time, told the anxious public to completely disregard all baseless accusations planted in the media by frustrated traducers, noting that no amount of attacks would derail the acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, from achieving more industry breakthroughs.
According to him, despite the noise designed to scuttle Captain Najomo’s confirmation as substantive NCAA DG, his exceptional leadership, integrity and unmatched contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector continue to earn him accolades across the industry.
Achimugu, while making reference to one article purportedly written by SY Mohammad and Kolade Hassan, Achimugu said the attempt to ridicule Najomo was futile and laughable.
Fondly called “Jolly Papa” for his charisma and accessibility, Captain Najomo’s aviation career, Achimugu emphasised, spans over four decades, with a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and administrators.
Since his appointment in December 2023, he has steered the NCAA to new heights, instituting reforms that have positioned the Authority as a benchmark for regulatory excellence across Africa.
However, his progressive leadership has come under fire from those who appear to have vested interests in undermining the sector’s growth.
“Puff-Puff Experts” and Their Allegations
Achimugu, while dismissing the allegations against Captain Najomo as the desperate antics of disgruntled individuals clinging to an outdated legacy of incompetence, he likened the attackers to “puff-puff experts”, a term coined by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, describing their shallow tactics as “the last kicks of drowning horses.”
One of the accusations against Captain Najomo alleges that he “declared himself DG without Senate confirmation.” This claim stems from a video where Najomo introduced himself at a meeting as “Director-General, NCAA.”
Achimugu countered the claim, saying:
“Introducing oneself by title during an official meeting is standard practice. There is no evidence of Captain Najomo declaring himself confirmed. These baseless accusations reflect the desperation of those who cannot stand his achievements.”
Critics have also questioned Captain Najomo’s commitment to aviation safety—a claim that crumbles when juxtaposed with his stellar record.
Under his leadership, the NCAA commissioned a state-of-the-art Flight Data Centre, a key achievement that highlights the Authority’s focus on safety and data-driven regulation.
Achimugu highlighted Najomo’s decisive actions, including the suspension of Dana Air for financial instability that threatened operational safety.
“Since Najomo assumed office, there has not been a single commercial airline crash,” Achimugu emphasized. “How can anyone accuse a man with such a record of neglecting safety? These attacks are not just false; they are malicious.”
Responding to concerns about isolated incidents like runway excursions, Achimugu noted that such occurrences are not unique to Nigeria but happen globally.
He pointed out that similar events have occurred in countries with world-class aviation regulators, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada.
On Capt. Najomo’s watch, the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department has set new standards in handling passenger complaints.
Contrary to claims that the Authority resolves issues in 224 days, Achimugu clarified that ticket refunds take a maximum of 14 days, as stipulated by NCAA regulations.
Najomo’s tenure has also seen the launch of an innovative consumer complaints portal, which streamlines case resolutions and ensures accurate data management. This initiative, coupled with unprecedented passenger refunds and compensations, has strengthened the NCAA’s reputation as a customer-focused regulator.
“Capt. Najomo has redefined consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Achimugu said.
“The milestones achieved under his leadership are unmatched, and his critics know it.”
Efficiency has been a hallmark of Captain Najomo’s leadership. Processes that previously took months to complete, such as operator licensing, are now finalized within two to three months.
His mantra, Ease of Doing Business Without Compromising Standards, has resonated with industry stakeholders, including the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who have praised the NCAA’s responsiveness and efficiency under his leadership.
Najomo has also prioritized staff welfare, clearing years of unpaid allowances inherited from previous administrations. This has fostered a more motivated and productive workforce.
“How can the so-called ‘elders’ criticize when they left staff unpaid for years? Capt. Najomo has restored dignity and fairness to the Authority,” Achimugu remarked.
Captain Najomo’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Aviation unions and industry operators have rallied behind his confirmation, describing him as a transformative leader who is driving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the aviation sector.
The NCAA’s increased visibility and enhanced stakeholder engagement under Najomo’s leadership are testaments to his forward-thinking approach.
By embracing modernization and accountability, he has dismantled the inefficiencies and corruption that once plagued the Authority.
Achimugu dismissed the baseless attacks as the antics of individuals desperate to cling to a legacy of failure. “These so-called elders are angry because Capt. Najomo has achieved what they couldn’t.
They destroyed the industry, and now they want to dictate its future. It is clear they represent no one but themselves,” he said.
As the aviation industry awaits the Senate’s confirmation of Captain Najomo as substantive DG, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of the NCAA.
With his proven track record, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence, Captain Chris Najomo is poised to take Nigeria’s aviation sector to unprecedented heights.
“This is a man who cares deeply about the sector,” Achimugu concluded. “His confirmation is not just a necessity—it is a step towards securing the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
