NCAA Clinches Top Honours at 2026 NIGAV Awards as Najomo, Achimugu, Gbem Shine
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 15th edition of the NIGAV Awards 2026, securing multiple prestigious honours at a grand ceremony held in Lagos on April 17, 2026.
In a night that celebrated excellence across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Chris Ona Najomo, received two of the most coveted accolades – Aviation Agency CEO of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The dual recognition underscores his significant contributions to strengthening aviation safety, regulatory efficiency, and overall industry development in Nigeria.
The honours extended beyond the agency’s leadership to other key figures within the Authority. The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, was presented with the Aviation Agency Director Award in recognition of his impactful role in advancing consumer protection frameworks and fostering stronger stakeholder engagement across the sector.
Similarly, the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Anastasia Gbem, was conferred with a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to aviation leadership and administrative excellence.
Beyond individual achievements, the NCAA itself was celebrated for institutional performance, receiving multiple awards across critical operational areas. These included recognition for:
Digital innovation, particularly through its SMS Pro platform
Excellence in consumer protection
Customer service delivery
Passenger front desk information services
Ease of doing business initiatives
The accolades highlight the Authority’s ongoing efforts to modernise regulatory processes, enhance passenger experience, and align Nigeria’s aviation industry with global standards.
Reacting to the sweeping recognition, Capt. Najomo expressed gratitude to the organisers, FCI International Limited, noting that the awards reflect the dedication and professionalism of the NCAA workforce.
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in driving sector-wide reforms.
According to him, the Minister’s policy direction and commitment to creating an enabling environment have significantly contributed to the Authority’s achievements.
Najomo emphasised that the recognition would further motivate the NCAA to sustain its commitment to global best practices in aviation safety, security, economic regulation, and consumer protection.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Federal Government reiterated its resolve to reposition the aviation sector as a key driver of national development.
Kambari highlighted ongoing reforms focused on infrastructure development, policy enhancement, and institutional strengthening, stressing that these efforts are designed to boost efficiency, attract investment, and improve service delivery across the industry.
The NCAA’s strong showing at the 2026 NIGAV Awards serves as a validation of its strategic reforms and operational improvements in recent years.
As Nigeria’s aviation regulator continues to evolve, the recognition signals growing confidence in its ability to deliver a safe, efficient, and globally competitive aviation sector.
With momentum from these accolades, stakeholders expect the Authority to deepen its reforms and sustain the trajectory towards excellence in Africa’s aviation landscape.
