BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Youths from communities around Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport have benefitted from an intensive two-day empowerment programme organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The initiative aimed to equip participants with essential aviation knowledge and practical skills as part of a wider strategy to address talent shortages and regional disparities in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Addressing the 20 participants at the close of the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP) on Friday in Lagos, NCAA’s Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, emphasised his belief in the potential of young Nigerians and the vital role they can play in the nation’s aviation future.
“As a deep and firm believer in the future of young Nigerians, this programme was put together as an avenue to nurture their potential and prepare them for participation in an aviation sector that is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, regional integration, and global connectivity,” Captain Najomo said.
Represented at the event by NCAA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Anastasia Gbem, Capt. Najomo explained that the AUDP aligns with the National Youth Development Directive, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February 2025, which mandates Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise youth empowerment in their operations.
In line with this directive, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development instructed its agencies to align all youth-related efforts with the national framework.
Under the programme, participants were categorised into three groups: graduates of tertiary institutions, post-secondary but non-tertiary educated youths, and out-of-school youths, including those at risk.
“The AUDP is not an overnight solution but a growing initiative to help young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into aviation,” Captain Najomo remarked.
Encouraging participants to take practical steps towards their career goals, he said: “You may be asking, what can I do now to get ready or get in? Let me offer a few suggestions: know the sector; pick a skill area; develop digital competence; network and stay informed.”
He further assured them of NCAA’s commitment to engaging with young people, providing valuable information, connecting them to opportunities, and building partnerships to support ongoing skill development.
“We will not over-promise. But we will do our part—step by step—to open the space and carry young Nigerians forward into the aviation future,” he stated.
According to Capt. Najomo, the initiative aims to deliver high-quality training, practical skills, and career guidance aligned with global standards and best practices. He stressed that the programme would help tackle key challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, such as gender imbalances, talent shortages, and regional disparities.
“I am confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry, creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and enhancing our standing in the international aviation community.
“To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it.
“Let the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme be a conversation starter. Let it be a bridge between where you are and where you want to go. We look forward to walking that bridge with you.”
The programme, which was launched earlier in the week in Port Harcourt, is scheduled to be rolled out in other zones across the country, including Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja regional offices.
In Lagos, youths were selected from Mafoluku and Ejigbo communities within Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area.
Captain Najomo also encouraged participants to start small by studying the structure and language of aviation, understanding the roles of key regulatory bodies like NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He recommended leveraging free online resources available on the NCAA, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) platforms.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Olubukola Teriba, NCAA’s Regional Manager, underscored the significance of the programme in strengthening the Nigerian aviation sector.
“This initiative aligns with NCAA’s broader vision to build a sustainable and globally competitive aviation industry,” she said.
“It comes at a crucial time as the industry looks to tackle unemployment and address the shortage of skilled professionals in the growing aviation sector.”
Mrs. Teriba added: “As the regulator, NCAA is not only a custodian of safety, security, and economic oversight but is also duty-bound to ensure inclusivity, access to opportunities, and a sustainable future workforce for our industry.
“This initiative will fill the gap by preparing young Nigerians with technical knowledge to take up jobs available in the aviation industry.”
She expressed confidence that the AUDP would “foster understanding and attraction among Nigerian youths, the unemployed, underrepresented groups, and professionals.”
“This is a national directive, the first of its kind, and I thank President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Royal Fathers of the communities represented,” she added.
In his remarks, Chief Samson Fatuyi, the Asiwaju-Onikotun and Chief Bada of Emu Kingdom, urged participants to take the opportunity seriously, describing it as “a pathway to success.”
He commended both the Federal Government and NCAA for initiating the empowerment programme.
It is worth noting that under the AUDP, a total of 100 young Nigerians are expected to be empowered.
