FG provides statutory clarification regarding tenure of NCAA Acting DG, Najomo
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has addressed concerns raised by a recent article in the Punch Newspaper titled “Worry as NCAA Acting Director-General (DG) Tenure Expires.”
In a statement issued by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs, the ministry highlighted that the Public Service Rules (PRS), which govern employment relationships in the Public Service, allow for an acting appointment period of up to one year, extendable by another year in exceptional circumstances.
The Ministry emphasised that Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has been in office for only six months, well within the allowed timeframe.
To dispel any misconceptions, the ministry clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not appoint Capt. Najomo on a six-month tenure.
Najomo’s appointment, according to the statement, was a result of the suspension of the former Director-General, who is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corruption allegations.
The ministry reassured the public and stakeholders in the Civil Aviation Industry that there is no cause for concern regarding Najomo’s tenure, and he continues to serve as the Acting Director-General of the NCAA.
The statement: “MR. CHRIS NAJOMO REMAINS THE ACTING
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE NIGERIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (NCAA)
“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has been drawn to an article in the Punch Newspaper of Wednesday, June 19th 2024 titled “Worry as NCAA Acting Director-General (DG) tenure expires”
“2. The Public Service Rules (PRS) which define employment relationship between employees in the Public Service and the Government in section 7: 020704(b) on Acting Appointment stipulates” that the period of Acting appointment shall not exceed one year, but in exceptional circumstances may be extended for another year”. The Acting Director-General, Mr. Chris Najomo has been in office for only six months.
“3. For the avoidance of doubt, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR did not appoint Capt. Chris Najomo as Acting Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on a Six-Month tenure. The appointment of Capt. Chris Najomo on Acting Capacity was based on the suspension of the former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority by Mr. President based on an on-going investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission on allegations of corruption against him.
“4. This clarification has become expedient in order not to create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the Civil Aviation Industry. There is no worry at all about the tenure of Mr. Chris Najomo as he remains the Acting Director-General of the NCAA.”
Odutayo Oluseyi, Head, Press and Public Affairs for Hon. Minister.
