BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has harped on the indispensable role of a Board of Directors in reinforcing corporate governance within the agency.
He noted that an effective board provides strategic leadership, oversees management activities and facilitates key decision-making processes, all while operating within the framework of the Civil Aviation Act.
Speaking at the Corporate Governance and Board Management Seminar organised by NCAA’s Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) in Lagos, Captain Najomo stressed the necessity of a well-structured corporate governance framework.
He explained that such a framework was strategic in enhancing regulatory oversight, ensuring transparency, and fostering accountability, all of which are essential to the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“A Board is fundamental to the proper administration of an agency or authority,” Najomo remarked. “I even said that I am going to self-audit myself so that I make sure we are doing the right thing.”
He pointed out that aviation parastatals, including the NCAA, may have boards appointed at any time, referencing the recent inauguration of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a case in point.
He stressed that once constituted, the NCAA Board must function effectively within the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act to ensure adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Expounding on the NCAA Board’s structure, he noted that the Head of the Directorate of Legal Services would statutorily serve as the Board Secretary, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
He further traced the NCAA’s legal evolution, explaining that its foundation was initially laid under Decree No. 49 of 1999 before democracy took root in Nigeria, and has since been strengthened under the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
“The Civil Aviation Act 2022 serves as the primary legislation governing civil aviation in Nigeria, aligning with ICAO’s State Safety Oversight requirements. It defines the functions, powers, and responsibilities of the Authority, including the establishment of its governing Board,” he explained.
He detailed that Section 5(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 provides for four statutory members of the NCAA Board: the Chairman, a representative from the Ministry responsible for Aviation, a representative from the Ministry responsible for Defence, and the Director-General of the NCAA. All other members, he noted, serve in an ex officio capacity.
Najomo called on the seminar’s consultants and legal experts to critically examine the Act’s provisions and ensure a seamless synergy between the NCAA Board and Management.
He highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to function within a clear governance structure, where roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes are well defined.
“I expect today’s discussions to highlight areas of mutual cooperation while mitigating potential conflicts through realistic solutions,” he urged.
Reflecting on NCAA’s recent silver jubilee celebration, Najomo described the milestone as an opportunity to reposition the Authority for a safer, more secure, economically viable, and customer-centric aviation sector.
He noted that the establishment of a strong governance framework would play a key role in ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
According to him, incoming Board members will be met with high expectations from both industry players and the general public, stressing the need for integrity, accountability, and efficiency in their service.
He further charged the Directorate of Legal Services, which also functions as the Authority’s Company and Corporate Secretariat, to develop a governance model that will support Board members in carrying out their statutory responsibilities effectively.
Expressing confidence in the seminar’s impact, Najomo commended the caliber of resource persons and the carefully curated discussion topics, which he believed would provide valuable insights into best governance practices.
He encouraged participants to engage in meaningful deliberations, ensuring that the knowledge gained translates into actionable strategies that will enhance NCAA’s governance framework and regulatory effectiveness.
In her remarks, NCAA’s Director of Legal and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, emphasised the importance of the seminar in providing the agency and its stakeholders with an opportunity to reassess corporate governance trends and regulatory responsibilities.
She noted that as the aviation sector continues to evolve, it is imperative for regulatory bodies to strengthen their governance frameworks and uphold the highest standards of compliance.
“The regulatory bodies in the sector must be ready to enforce regulations. We are refreshing ourselves to remind ourselves of our responsibilities, knowing very well that corporate governance is about rules, laws, procedures and policies,” she stated.
She reiterated that an effective governance structure is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental pillar for ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
As the seminar concluded, stakeholders were encouraged to adopt a forward-thinking approach in implementing governance principles that will strengthen the NCAA’s regulatory framework, promote accountability and enhance service delivery across the aviation sector.
