Najomo Calls for Strategic Partnerships to Drive Sustainable Development in Aviation Sector
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transforming the country’s aviation industry through strategic partnerships, innovation, and policy reforms.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Engagement on Transforming the Aviation Industry through Strategic Partnerships: Advancing Airport Sustainable Development in Lagos, the DGCA emphasised the crucial role of collaboration in building a globally competitive and sustainable aviation sector.
Addressing key stakeholders – including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, heads of aviation parastatals, airline operators, and industry professionals – the DGCA highlighted the Nigerian aviation industry’s pivotal moment.
He stressed that partnerships between regulators, operators, trade unions, and investors were fundamental to the industry’s long-term success, aligning with the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Agenda.
Providing an overview of the NCAA’s achievements over the past year, the DGCA detailed several initiatives undertaken to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and boost industry confidence.
The NCAA, in collaboration with internal and external trade unions, has successfully addressed longstanding concerns such as backlog payments to staff, inter-directorate transfers, and stagnated promotions.
These efforts, the DGCA noted, have significantly improved productivity and ensured a well-motivated workforce capable of delivering world-class regulatory services.
The NCAA has prioritised infrastructure expansion to support industry growth. Notably, the authority commissioned the long-abandoned Port Harcourt and Kano Regional Office buildings, ensuring a stronger presence in key aviation hubs across the country.
The DGCA assured stakeholders that compliance with ICAO audit recommendations remains a top priority.
According to him, the NCAA, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has initiated the design and implementation of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP).
He further revealed that training sessions and strategic meetings have taken place, with site visits to major airports in Kano, Lagos, and Enugu. A national focal team, alongside ICAO experts, is actively working on advancing the project.
Recall that the Minister inaugurated the National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) in 2024, chaired by the DGCA, to implement Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP).
Additionally, the NCAA launched a Flight Data Centre and introduced new performance-based surveillance methodologies in line with global aviation standards.
Through continuous engagements with airlines and service operators, the NCAA has addressed concerns about high airfares, reduced monopolisation of routes, and promoted indigenous carriers on foreign routes.
Najomo noted that a notable milestone was the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London route, facilitated by the Minister’s proactive initiatives.
Furthermore, the NCAA played a crucial role in resolving disputes between the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Ground Handling Companies over handling charges.
The issuance of authority letters in January 2024, followed by further engagements in February 2025, successfully brokered a truce.
The NCAA has accelerated the issuance of permits, licences, and certifications through the deployment of EMPIC-EAP, a cutting-edge regulatory software.
Super-user training was completed in April 2024, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to the ease of doing business while maintaining high regulatory standards.
To streamline processes and enhance transparency, the NCAA has introduced electronic regulatory tools such as the CPD and DATR portals. These innovations have been developed in collaboration with portal developers, platform operators, and private sector experts.
In partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Najomo disclosed that the NCAA is also upgrading sunrise-to-sunset airports to extend operational hours until 10:00 PM, reducing flight delays and cancellations while improving passenger convenience.
The DGCA reaffirmed that these strategic initiatives are aligned with the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasise infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, and a competitive aviation sector.
The DGCA urged stakeholders to maintain a spirit of cooperation, stating:
“Our industry thrives on synergy, and through our collective efforts, we will establish a resilient, world-class aviation sector that serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth.”
He extended his gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister, members of the National Assembly, aviation professionals, and trade unions for their unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“Together, we will elevate Nigerian aviation to new heights,” he declared.
