Najomo Bags Lifetime, Strategic Leadership Awards at 14th NIGAV Ceremony
The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, received thunderous applause on Friday night as he was conferred with two prestigious honours — the Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Aviation Leadership Achievement Award (Strategic Leadership Category) — at the 14th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards and Ministerial Dinner.
The glittering event, which attracted top dignitaries and industry stakeholders, held in Lagos, turned the spotlight on Captain Najomo, whose lifelong commitment to the aviation sector was described as both exceptional and transformative.
In an emotional moment while receiving the awards, Captain Najomo expressed deep gratitude, remarking that he has devoted his entire career to the service of Nigeria’s aviation industry across various roles.
He noted that his current position at the helm of the NCAA represents a culmination of years of dedication, adding that the agency is now witnessing a renaissance under a more proactive and strategic regulatory regime.
Founder and Chairman of the NIGAV Awards, Mr Fortune Idu, praised Captain Najomo as a “quintessential personality” who, from a young age, made a resolute decision to serve the aviation sector.
Idu highlighted Najomo’s early inspiration under the tutelage of his father — himself a distinguished aviator — and credited Najomo’s foresight and extensive experience for the remarkable transformation of the NCAA.
“These awards are fitting for Najomo,” Idu stated. “From his youthful age, he carved out a career path under the wings of his father, and today, the results of his strategic leadership are evident. The NCAA, under his watch, has earned global accolades and emerged as one of Nigeria’s most iconic brands in just over a year.”
Mr Richard Aisuebeogun, Chairman of the NIGAV Award Committee and former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), also commended the leadership of the NCAA boss.
In his review of the industry’s performance, he asserted that Najomo’s confirmation as substantive Director General heralds a more stable and effective Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) capable of ensuring airworthiness and passenger safety across the board.
He further applauded Najomo for strengthening the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate to address key passenger concerns such as high airfares, persistent flight delays, and cancellations. “This is crucial for boosting travellers’ confidence in Nigerian airlines,” he said.
Speaking on the wider impact of Najomo’s reforms, Aisuebeogun noted that in 2024, the NCAA began reviewing critical procedures to enhance both technical and economic oversight, streamline the licensing process, and minimise bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He also revealed that the Authority has partnered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in reviewing the national aviation master plan to rebuild trust in the system.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Micheal Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, lauded the Director General’s tireless work ethic and inspiring leadership.
“My DG deserves even more,” he said. “He has spent his whole life in this industry. Even now, as DG, he works round the clock to ensure we get things right and on time. His leadership and man-management skills have energised the staff to deliver the outstanding results you see today.”
Corroborating this sentiment, the Regional Manager of the NCAA’s Lagos Office, Mrs Bukola Aduragbemi Teriba, described the awards as a “testament to the revolution” that has taken place at the regulatory agency in the past 16 months.
“Seeing, they say, is believing. The industry has witnessed — and continues to witness — a transformation in regulatory practices and a significant shift in how we conduct business. It’s all due to the astute leadership of the DG. These awards are not just honours but motivation for us as staff to aim even higher,” she said.
