Najomo Stresses Procurement Transparency for Aviation Sector Growth
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, has underscored the critical role of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in procurement processes within the aviation sector.
Speaking at a symposium focused on procurement best practices, he highlighted the importance of aligning aviation procurement strategies with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines and international standards to support national economic growth.
The event, attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director General of BPP, and other key stakeholders, provided a platform to discuss optimal procurement practices that drive infrastructural development and revenue generation.
Captain Najomo reiterated that procurement efficiency is central to achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria for economic prosperity and good governance.
He further emphasised that the Minister’s Five-Point Agenda, which prioritises revenue generation, requires a procurement framework that eliminates financial leakages, curbs corruption, and ensures value for money.
“To fully realise these objectives, we must embrace procurement systems that encourage fair competition, attract credible investors, and optimise the use of public funds,” Najomo stated.
The NCAA boss highlighted that procurement decisions impact airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and overall operational efficiency.
A transparent procurement system, he noted, has the potential to enhance service delivery, attract investment, and maximise government revenue.
In pursuit of these goals, he outlined key measures to improve procurement efficiency in the aviation sector, including:
Strict compliance with due process to prevent financial leakages.
Encouraging fair competition through open and transparent bidding.
Enhancing public-private partnerships to drive operational efficiency.
Strengthening monitoring and compliance mechanisms to eliminate corruption risks.
Captain Najomo stressed that beyond national policies, the aviation sector must adhere to international procurement standards set by organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Bank.
He outlined four key international best practices that the NCAA is committed to integrating:
E-Procurement and Digitalisation – Leveraging technology to enhance transparency and reduce human interference.
Sustainable and Green Procurement – Prioritising environmental and social considerations.
Risk-Based Procurement Planning – Identifying and mitigating procurement-related risks.
Stakeholder Engagement – Involving regulatory bodies, service providers, and the public to improve decision-making.
The Director General called for enhanced capacity building for procurement officers, improved compliance mechanisms, and stronger inter-agency collaboration with BPP, anti-corruption agencies, and international development partners.
“The future of Nigeria’s aviation sector hinges on our ability to implement an efficient and transparent procurement system. By upholding global best practices and ensuring compliance with due process, we can transform procurement into a catalyst for growth, innovation, and national progress,” Najomo concluded.
He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to these principles and work collectively towards a more efficient and revenue-driven aviation sector.
The symposium provided a strategic forum for discussions on improving procurement frameworks, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to ensuring procurement integrity in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
