BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria has recorded a key milestone in its aviation oversight drive following the conclusion of a technical assistance mission by the Western and Central African Office (WACAF) Regional Office Safety Team (ROST).
At a debriefing held at the Authority’s Corporate Headquarters on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the engagement as both rigorous and rewarding.
“The mission has been a constructive and rigorous engagement that has further boosted Nigeria’s level of readiness for the ICAO International Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) slated for 15th–22nd April, 2026,” he said.
Najomo assured the visiting delegation that all recommendations from the exercise would not gather dust.
“All recommendations arising from the mission will be incorporated into an accelerated action framework with clearly defined timelines, measurable outcomes, and strengthened inter-directorate coordination,” he pledged.
He commended the ICAO WACAF team and key stakeholders, including the (BAGASOO), (NSIB), (FAAN), (NAMA), and (NIMET), alongside NCAA personnel.
According to him, the exercise “has strengthened the Authority’s systems, sharpened institutional focus, and will ultimately enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and overall safety performance.”
Speaking for the ICAO team, Kebba Lamin Jammeh acknowledged Nigeria’s responsiveness and praised the high level of cooperation demonstrated by NCAA technical directorates and partner agencies throughout the mission.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
