BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing a sustainable and globally competitive aviation sector through strategic partnerships, progressive policy implementation and infrastructure development.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Engagement on Transforming the Aviation Industry through Strategic Partnerships: Advancing Airport Sustainable Development, held in Lagos on Friday, the DG emphasised the critical role of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry in alignment with the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Agenda.
Addressing a distinguished audience that included top government officials, aviation regulators, industry operators, and trade unions, the DG highlighted the industry’s pivotal juncture, stressing that partnerships between regulatory bodies, airlines, investors, and service operators remain crucial to achieving long-term sustainability.
“The NCAA, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has remained steadfast in driving policies and reforms that enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and security, and boost passenger confidence,” the DG stated.
The DG outlined major strides the NCAA has made over the past year, including significant interventions in staff welfare, infrastructure development, regulatory oversight, and policy reforms.
He acknowledged the successful resolution of longstanding staff welfare concerns, including the payment of backlogs, inter-directorate transfer challenges, and stagnation in promotions.
“A well-motivated workforce is fundamental to delivering the desired regulatory services effectively,” he noted.
On infrastructure development, the DG celebrated the commissioning of the Port Harcourt and Kano Regional Offices, long-abandoned projects that have now been revitalized to enhance the NCAA’s presence and efficiency across the country.
Additionally, he announced significant progress on the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), developed with ICAO’s support.
“The NCAA has appointed a national focal team working alongside ICAO experts, and engagements have already taken place in Kano, Lagos, and Enugu,” he said, underscoring the plan’s importance in shaping Nigeria’s aviation future.
The DG noted that aviation safety remains at the heart of the NCAA’s mandate, citing the establishment of the National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) to oversee the implementation of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP).
He also highlighted the launch of the NCAA Flight Data Centre and new surveillance methodologies designed to align with global best practices.
In the area of consumer protection and market competitiveness, the DG acknowledged progress in addressing high airfare concerns, reducing route monopolies, and fostering the growth of Nigerian airlines on international routes.
He specifically applauded the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London route, attributing it to the Honourable Minister’s visionary leadership.
He also commended the successful resolution of the dispute between the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Ground Handling Companies over service charges, following extensive engagements in January 2024 and February 2025.
The NCAA, Najomo said, has intensified efforts to streamline regulatory processes, with the deployment of the EMPIC-EAP regulatory software and training of super-users completed in April 2024.
The DG stressed that these reforms are designed to fast-track certifications, permits, and licensing without compromising safety standards.
Furthermore, he highlighted the creation of electronic regulatory tools, such as the CPD and DATR portals, developed in partnership with private sector experts to enhance monitoring, transparency, and service efficiency.
In a collaborative effort with FAAN, the NCAA is also spearheading the extension of operating hours at some sunrise/sunset airports until 10 PM, aimed at reducing flight delays and cancellations while improving passenger convenience.
The DG emphasised that all these reforms align seamlessly with the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Agenda and Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritize infrastructural development, economic revitalization, and aviation sector competitiveness.
“Our industry thrives on synergy, and through our collective efforts, we will establish a resilient, world-class aviation sector that serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ARTI) commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his decisive leadership in addressing long standing industry challenges.
ARTI acknowledged the Minister’s willingness to redirect discussions toward critical sectoral issues rather than a mere celebration of government achievements.
“We commend the Minister for his vigorous push to resolve overdue industry concerns. Today, he demonstrated true leadership by shifting the focus of this event to the pressing issues facing stakeholders. Unfortunately, some attendees left prematurely, believing it would be another government applause session.
“However, they would be pleased to know that the discussion took a more meaningful turn once proceedings began,” ARTI stated.
As an independent aviation-focused organization, ARTI reiterated its commitment to addressing sector-wide concerns through partnerships and constructive engagements.
While acknowledging the Minister’s efforts, the group called for deeper discussions on job creation within the industry, expressing concerns over the employment crisis affecting aviation professionals.
“Honourable Minister, critics often say you promote foreign aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus while neglecting the core industry issue of job creation. We believe it’s time to engage constructively on this matter.
“The biggest challenge remains jobs. Pilots, engineers, cabin crew, dispatchers—many are trained yet left without opportunities. Without clear mechanisms for career growth, we risk a situation where the industry will struggle to sustain itself due to a shortage of experienced personnel,” ARTI warned.
On regulatory matters, the group acknowledged the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for progressive policies, particularly in consumer affairs.
However, it pointed out shortcomings in certification processes and called for an urgent review of aircraft registration procedures.
“We have long demanded a review of aircraft certification, yet these crucial meetings have faced repeated delays. General aviation, the backbone of any strong aviation sector, remains one of the most challenged segments in Nigeria. Registering a small private aircraft is currently more burdensome than registering an airline fleet. This needs to change,” ARTI emphasized.
The group also urged a reconsideration of the aircraft age policy, arguing that the efficiency of the NCAA should determine safety, not arbitrary age limits.
“It is not the age of the aircraft but the effectiveness of regulatory oversight that matters. We call on the NCAA to educate lawmakers on this matter, ensuring that legislative decisions are informed by industry realities rather than misconceptions.
“Continuing with the current aircraft age restrictions will leave 90% of our airports underutilized. Policy revisions are necessary, and magic solutions will not work,” ARTI added.
ARTI also acknowledged the NCAA’s strides in technological advancements, particularly its efforts to address ICAO compliance challenges. It encouraged the agency to sustain its technological innovations, which are critical to strengthening aviation oversight.
Similarly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) received praise for its business-focused approach under the leadership of its Managing Director.
“We commend FAAN’s MD for her out-of-the-box initiatives that go beyond infrastructure development to fostering business growth. The Aviacargo initiative, for instance, is a step in the right direction.
“However, challenges remain, especially those arising from the separation of FAAN and NAMA. Issues such as domestic flights landing on international runways before taxiing to domestic terminals and aircraft being towed short distances at additional cost must be addressed,” ARTI noted.
The group also called for urgent solutions to operational inefficiencies, such as aircraft being cleared to airports that close before their arrival due to sunset airport restrictions.
“The concept of sunset airports creates unnecessary bottlenecks. With minimal investment in solar-powered runway lighting and additional navigational staff, several airports could operate beyond current limitations, easing passenger and airline disruptions,” ARTI suggested.
Turning to aviation education and workforce development, ARTI stressed the need for stronger ties between the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) to ensure that training translates into real job opportunities.
“We cannot continue producing graduates without viable employment pathways. There must be a structured mechanism that ensures training leads to actual jobs. A closer collaboration, or even a possible merger, between AAAU and NCAT could drive this transformation,” ARTI advised.
On aviation revenue policies, ARTI reminded the government of ICAO’s principle of cost recovery rather than excessive profit-making.
“We support the Minister’s revenue drive, but we must also remember that ICAO guidelines emphasize cost recovery, not profit. The government’s tendency to dip into FAAN’s revenue affects its capacity to deliver optimal services. FAAN can achieve much more if it retains a greater share of its earnings,” the group argued.
In conclusion, ARTI reiterated its support for the administration’s overall direction but emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable industry growth.
“Honourable Minister, we must work together. Government and stakeholders as partners can rescue and elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector. By fostering innovation, taking proactive steps to reduce operational costs such as fuel, and ensuring policies align with industry realities, we can secure the future of aviation in Nigeria,” ARTI stated.
