Najomo Faces Baseless Allegations Amid Calls for Confirmation as NCAA DG
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed allegations against its Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, labelling them as desperate attempts by detractors to derail his confirmation as substantive Director-General.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, described these allegations as “sponsored false narratives” aimed at tarnishing Najomo’s reputation.
A recent article, purportedly signed by one Kolade Hassan and Sy Mohammed, questioned Capt. Najomo’s integrity, competence, and leadership style.
However, Achimugu dismantled these claims, providing detailed responses to the accusations.
Allegation 1: Declaring Himself DG Without Confirmation
Critics claimed that Capt. Najomo prematurely referred to himself as the DG of NCAA without presidential confirmation or Senate approval.
A video was cited as evidence, in which Najomo introduced himself as “Director-General” during a meeting.
Achimugu clarified that this was standard practice in internal settings and did not constitute any formal declaration of confirmation.
He challenged detractors to produce evidence of Najomo declaring himself confirmed.
Allegation 2: Neglect of Safety Standards
Another accusation revolved around safety concerns, with detractors questioning Najomo’s commitment to aviation safety.
Achimugu countered this, highlighting Najomo’s achievements, including the completion of the NCAA’s Flight Data Centre, commissioned by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He added that under Najomo’s leadership, no commercial airline crashes have occurred, and safety enforcement measures, such as suspending Dana Air over financial issues, demonstrate his prioritisation of passenger safety.
Allegation 3: Delayed Customer Complaints Resolution
The article alleged that the NCAA under Najomo takes 224 days to resolve customer complaints.
Achimugu debunked this, citing Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, which mandates a 14-day timeline for ticket refunds.
He noted that Najomo has spearheaded the highest volume of passenger refunds and compensations in NCAA’s history, alongside launching a consumer complaints portal for efficient case resolution.
Achievements Under Capt. Najomo
Since assuming office as Acting DG in December 2023, Capt. Najomo has recorded significant milestones:
Streamlining licensing processes for operators, reducing the time frame to 2–3 months.
Clearing backlogs of allowances owed to NCAA staff, fostering a more productive workforce.
Enhancing NCAA’s visibility and public engagement through social and traditional media.
Achimugu noted that the aviation industry has rallied behind Capt. Najomo, with airline operators, unions, and other stakeholders endorsing his confirmation.
Many have praised his “ease of doing business” mantra, which prioritises efficiency without compromising standards.
Achimugu criticised the so-called “elders” behind the allegations, accusing them of attempting to protect a legacy of corruption and inefficiency.
He described them as individuals clinging to outdated practices incompatible with modern aviation standards.
“Najomo is too digital for their analogue settings. What people cannot achieve, they detest,” Achimugu remarked.
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to serving the aviation industry and the nation, undeterred by distractions.
Achimugu emphasised that the confirmation process for a substantive DG rests solely with the Minister of Aviation, the President, and the National Assembly.
He said Capt. Najomo, whom he described as an industry icon with over four decades of service, continues to drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the aviation sector.
