BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has praised the soothing safety record of Nigeria’s aviation sector, linking the success to the visionary leadership and foresight of the current management team, led by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo.
Governor Zulum emphasised that under Captain Najomo’s stewardship, the sector has achieved new heights in operational safety, ensuring the security and confidence of travelers both domestically and internationally.
The Governor made these commendations during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA) in Abuja, where he noted the significant progress and development witnessed across key areas of the aviation sector since Captain Chris Najomo assumed office.
Governor Zulum praised the Acting DGCA for ensuring improved compliance with flight regulations and addressing critical safety concerns, which have contributed to the sector’s enhanced performance.
Professor Zulum further emphasised that despite ongoing challenges, Nigeria continues to attract substantial investment in aviation, largely due to the confidence that investors have in the regulatory authority.
He added that with Captain Najomo’s unwavering commitment and the federal government’s drive to reposition the sector for substantial growth, the industry is poised to experience remarkable expansion in the coming years.
The Governor expressed optimism that, under this leadership, Nigeria’s aviation sector is set to achieve unprecedented milestones.
He said, “no one is and should be surprised at what is happening in the sector. On a daily basis we see developments in different aspects of the industry. It all has to do with the leadership of the civil aviation authority.
His words, “When you put the right person in position, this is what you get. Here you find a round peg in a round hole so you do not expect anything different than the success being recorded. I commend the DGCA and his team and urge you to keep the flag flying.”
In his response, Capt. Najomo articulated the NCAA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the industry can compete favorably on a global scale.
He emphasized that, while his guiding principle has always been “Ease of doing business,” it is crucial to expand this mantra to include the vital aspect of safety: “Ease of doing business without compromising safety.”
Expressing his condolences to the governor regarding the recent flooding incident that affected the state, Najomo praised the governor’s proactive approach to managing the crisis and highlighted the significant developmental strides made in the state under his leadership.
The conversation between the two leaders extended to various areas of common interest, focusing on initiatives that could yield mutual benefits for both the state and the NCAA.
Through their dialogue, they identified collaborative opportunities aimed at enhancing the aviation sector while supporting the state’s continued growth and development.