BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
If there is one appointment President Bola Tinubu made since assumption of office in 2023 that got many clapping, it is the appointment of Capt Chris Najomo as the acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
A thoroughbred pilot, airline manager and industry enthusiast, Captain Najomo, in just one year at the helm of Nigeria’s aviation regulatory body, has charted a course for growth and reform, steering the agency through challenges with a vision for excellence.
He has justified his appointment by flaunting exceptional leadership that has brought a renewed focus on safety, innovation and stakeholder collaboration, earning him accolades across the local and aviation landscape.
Najomo, in several fora, has vowed to remain on the success trajectory, saying he would treat attacks from frustrated traducers as water off a duck’s back, literally speaking.
He said he remains focused on delivering on his mandate and would not be perturbed about his confirmation as that would happen at the appropriate time.
This feature delves into his journey, the milestones achieved and his plans to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards.
Elevating Ease of Doing Business Standards
Before the coming on board of Captain Najomo, cumbersome and incredible bureaucratic hurdles dotted the aviation industry. But with him in the driver’s seat, many laud him for being a game-changer in Nigeria’s civil aviation sector, driving reforms that have simplified the business landscape and boosted the industry’s global standing, yet without sacrificing standards.
According to industry watchers, Najomo, through his visionary leadership, has streamlined regulatory processes, cutting down red tape and making it easier for investors and operators to thrive.
He spearheaded the adoption of modern technologies, improved airport infrastructure and established frameworks that align with global aviation standards.
Recognising the importance of talent development, he championed training programmes that empowered local professionals, ensuring the industry’s sustainability.
His emphasis on collaboration between government and private stakeholders has fostered trust and innovation in the sector.
Najomo’s efforts have not only elevated Nigeria’s aviation profile but have also positioned the industry as a critical driver of economic growth and regional connectivity. His contributions, many note, continue to inspire progress in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets.
Launching NCAA Flight Data Center
The NCAA Flight Data Center has redefined aviation safety and efficiency in Nigeria, serving as a cutting-edge hub for monitoring and analyzing flight operations across the country. This state-of-the-art facility has become a critical tool for improving regulatory oversight, streamlining operations, and ensuring compliance with global aviation standards.
At the heart of the center’s operations is its ability to collect and process flight data from airlines, enabling the early detection of safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
The center’s real-time monitoring capabilities allow regulators and airlines to address potential issues proactively, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall airspace safety.
In addition to safety, the center has transformed how airlines operate. By providing insights into flight performance, fuel usage, and maintenance schedules, the Flight Data Center empowers operators to optimize their resources and deliver better services. These efficiencies have helped reduce costs while improving reliability and passenger experience.
The NCAA Flight Data Center also stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation excellence.
Its integration with international aviation systems ensures Nigeria remains compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, positioning the country as a leader in the African aviation sector.
According to stakeholders, with the NCAA Flight Data Center at the helm, Nigeria’s aviation industry is soaring to new heights, paving the way for a safer, more efficient and globally competitive future.
Unveiling NCAA Consumer Protection Portal
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Consumer Protection Portal is a cutting-edge digital platform designed to safeguard passenger rights and enhance service standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This innovation simplifies the process for air travelers to lodge complaints, access information, and receive prompt resolutions, making consumer protection more accessible than ever.
The portal empowers passengers by providing a streamlined system to report issues such as flight delays, cancellations, overbooking, and mishandled baggage. Once submitted, complaints are tracked in real-time, ensuring transparency and accountability from airlines and the NCAA.
In addition to resolving grievances, the portal serves as an educational resource. It offers passengers a comprehensive guide to their rights under Nigerian aviation regulations, including compensation entitlements and airline obligations. This ensures travelers are informed and equipped to demand fair treatment.
For airlines, the portal is both a challenge and an opportunity. By fostering transparency, it encourages operators to elevate their service standards while enabling the NCAA to identify systemic issues and enforce compliance effectively.
The NCAA Consumer Protection Portal, for many aviation stakeholders, represents a bold step toward a passenger-first aviation industry, which ultimately fosters trust, improve the travel experience and setting a benchmark for consumer protection across Africa’s aviation landscape.
Signing IDERA Agreement
This is probably one of the greatest achievements of Najomo that resonates strongly with the local airlines.
Late last year, the NCAA boss signed the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA). The move aligns Nigeria with the Cape Town Convention, which ultimately strengthens investor confidence and engenders growth in the aviation industry.
The IDERA is a globally recognized mechanism that allows aircraft lessors and financiers to deregister and repossess aircraft in cases of operator default.
By adopting this framework, Captain Najomo has paved the way for Nigerian airlines to access favorable leasing terms, attract more investment, and expand their fleets with modern, efficient aircraft.
The initiative, according to local operators, is a direct response to the challenges faced by the industry in accessing competitive financing options.
With the IDERA in place, Nigeria is signaling its commitment to providing a secure and predictable business environment for stakeholders, enhancing its reputation on the global aviation stage.
Najomo’s leadership in driving the change reflects his vision for a robust and competitive aviation sector.
Accolades
Following his great feats in a short time, aviation stakeholders, home and away, are applauding Capt Najomo for a job well done and asking him not to rest on his oars.
Elated by his boss’ great achievements in just a year, the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu tweeted on X: “I am an apostle of praising people while they are still alive to enjoy applause for their good work.
“Dear Captain Chris Najomo, as you mark one year in office, I celebrate the milestones you have achieved, and the courage with which you have taken on the challenges which you inherited.
“It does not matter how the future plays out, you already proved your mettle. You have automated most of our processes. The flight data center is a huge step in preventing accidents and collating data.
“The Consumer Protection Department owes its rejuvenation to your support and vision. The DATR portal is a loud statement about your intentions, as has been your ability to pay workers what was unjustly owed them for years, despite budget provisions and approvals.
“You historically signed the IDERA and cut down the alleged corruption of inspections by allowing aircraft to be inspected in Nigeria.
The NCAA in particular and the aviation industry in general, owe you flowers for ensuring that Nigeria achieved an admirable score in the last audit.
“As more aircraft come into Nigeria, airlines will be better equipped to serve passengers and there will be less disruptions. I know how strategically you have been trying to fix the issues that cause high airfares. There is so much I could say, but I will stop here for now.
“Congratulations, dear DGCA. It’s been an honour working with you”.
Commendations also poured in for Captain Najomo from his alumni, friends and former colleagues at the prestigious Airline Training Institute (ATI) in San Carlos, California, USA.
They united in support of his confirmation as the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In a statement signed by retired Colonel Ismaila Yombe, President of the ATI Alumni Association, the group highlighted Captain Najomo’s exceptional experience, professionalism, and commitment to the aviation industry as reasons he is the ideal candidate for the role.
Other key alumni leaders, including Claudia Van Koten (First Vice President), Gary Twitty (Second Vice President), and Musam Shaike (Third Vice President), also endorsed the statement, emphasising their collective confidence in Najomo’s ability to lead.
“Captain Najomo is a highly skilled professional who has excelled in every aviation role he has undertaken,” the alumni declared.
“He is exceptionally qualified to elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector to global standards.”
The statement continued: “The Airline Training Institute alumni proudly stand behind one of our own, Captain Chris Onajeke Najomo, in support of his confirmation as NCAA Director-General.
His unparalleled competence, dedication, and contributions to aviation make him the perfect leader for this position.”
The ATI, renowned for producing world-class aviation professionals, counts Captain Najomo among its distinguished alumni, alongside the late Captain Sam Ohioma, Col. Ismaila Yombe, Lambert Imasuen, and Valentine Tongo, among others.
Over the years, Captain Najomo has built a sterling reputation, advancing aviation safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting operational excellence.
The ATI alumni network emphasized that Captain Najomo’s leadership would be transformative for the NCAA, steering it toward achieving its mission of ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport in Nigeria.
His vision and expertise, they noted, would not only strengthen the NCAA but also enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation industry.
“Captain Najomo’s confirmation as Director-General is more than a step forward for Nigeria; it is a benchmark for aviation excellence in the region,” the statement concluded.
The alumni urged relevant authorities to recognize Captain Najomo’s outstanding qualifications and achievements, asserting that his leadership could usher in a new era of growth and innovation for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
