BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, has highlighted the crucial role of transparency, efficiency and accountability in procurement processes as a catalyst for optimal performance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at a high-level symposium on procurement best practices in Lagos on Thursday, he emphasised the need for strict compliance with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines and international standards to support national economic and infrastructural development.
The gathering, which brought together aviation stakeholders, procurement officers, and key regulatory agencies, provided a strategic platform to align procurement processes with global best practices.
Captain Najomo linked effective procurement directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to drive economic transformation, enhance infrastructure, and entrench good governance.
He stressed that public procurement lies at the heart of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility, noting that in aviation, every procurement decision shapes airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and operational effectiveness.
“Procurement is the backbone of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility. In aviation, it directly impacts airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and overall operational efficiency. If done right, procurement can attract investment, improve service delivery, and boost national revenue,” he said.
He further highlighted that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda prioritises revenue optimization, making procurement transparency a critical driver of economic sustainability in the sector.
He emphasised that for the aviation industry to truly thrive, procurement processes must eliminate financial waste, prevent corruption, and ensure that every contract awarded delivers maximum value for the nation.
According to Captain Najomo, a procurement system rooted in due process and efficiency will foster an environment where competition is fair, investment opportunities are expanded, and public-private partnerships can flourish.
By ensuring that procurement decisions are cost-effective and structured to maximize public funds, Nigeria’s aviation sector will be positioned as a strong contributor to national revenue generation and economic growth.
Beyond domestic regulations, he emphasized the need for Nigeria’s aviation procurement processes to align with international best practices as outlined by organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Bank.
He pointed out that embracing e-procurement and digitalization would enhance transparency by reducing human interference, while sustainable and green procurement would ensure that environmental and social considerations are embedded in decision-making.
He also stressed the importance of risk-based procurement planning, which would help identify and mitigate potential financial and operational risks, alongside a commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement to promote collective participation in shaping the future of procurement in the sector.
To fully align with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 5-Point Agenda, he called for a renewed focus on capacity building, stronger monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and the strategic use of technology to streamline procurement processes.
He further urged closer collaboration between aviation regulatory bodies, anti-corruption agencies, and international development partners to create a procurement framework that fosters transparency, strengthens investor confidence, and enhances service delivery across Nigeria’s airports and aviation infrastructure.
“Our collective responsibility is to make procurement a catalyst for growth, innovation, and national progress. By upholding due process and global best practices, we will create a transparent system that fosters investor confidence and maximizes economic benefits for Nigeria,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Rebecca Aghadinazu, the Director of Corporate Services at NCAA, noted the critical role procurement plays in ensuring value for money and the seamless execution of capital projects.
She highlighted that many of the delays encountered in procurement processes often stem from a lack of understanding of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)-approved procedures.
“This symposium is a landmark initiative aimed at addressing structural and capacity challenges in our procurement system. It provides an opportunity to enhance compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and strengthen our ability to deliver quality services efficiently,” she remarked.
Dr. Aghadinazu further noted that misconceptions surrounding procurement bottlenecks and concerns about the quality of procured goods often arise from a lack of clarity regarding departmental roles.
She called for greater synergy among directorates, departments, and units within the NCAA to ensure that procurement operations run seamlessly.
“The Procurement Department has, at times, faced undue criticism for delays and quality concerns. However, the reality is that successful procurement requires active participation from all stakeholders. This symposium will empower our teams with the necessary skills to facilitate smooth and effective procurement processes,” she explained.
Facilitated by Development Issues Consult Limited in collaboration with the BPP, the symposium provided participants with deep insights into the principles and cycles of public procurement management, the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, and the importance of conducting thorough needs analysis.
It also focused on building capacity for the timely preparation of high-quality bidding documents, a critical component in ensuring that procurement processes align with national and international best practices.
Recognizing the financial impact of procurement activities on the NCAA’s operations, Dr. Aghadinazu stressed the importance of equipping staff with the right knowledge and skills to optimize expenditure.
“Procured goods, works, and services constitute a significant portion of our organization’s spending. To ensure efficiency and effectiveness, our staff must be well-equipped with the latest procurement strategies,” she added.
She expressed deep appreciation for the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the NCAA’s procurement framework.
