Nigeria: NCAA unveils strategic reforms as Nigeria gears up for ICAO security audit
The Acting Director-General of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo has said the regulatory agency is committed to addressing deficiencies and ensuring the long-term health of the nation’s aviation sector, as the country is set to undergo the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Audit (USAP-CMA) from March 11 to 22, 2024.
Speaking during the unveiling of his industry agenda – NCAA Project 2024 – at a media engagement with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents in Lagos on Friday, January 19, 2023, Najomo emphasised the priority of the ICAO USAP to Nigeria’s security oversight system.
Having scored 70 percent in the previous ICAO USAP held between August 30 and September 11, 2023, Nigeria now strives for a 100 percent score.
To achieve this, Najomo assured collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other stakeholders for an outstanding performance during the upcoming audit.
Post-audit, Najomo outlined plans for realistic corrective actions, emphasising that the industry will not just seek to close audit findings but also to enhance the overall aviation system.
He noted that the focus extends beyond passing audits to improving safety oversight capabilities and increasing the Effective Implementation rating.
“In the aftermath of the ICAO USAP-CMA of Nigeria’s civil aviation system, we will implement realistic corrective action plans that not only close the audit findings, but improve our aviation system.
“This means our focus is beyond just passing audits. We must enhance our safety oversight capabilities. Once Nigeria addresses the root causes arising from the findings, we automatically improve our Effective Implementation rating,” said Najomo.
Among critical reforms to be implemented in the sector this year under his watch, Najomo said the NCAA will intensify surveillance targeting unscheduled operators.
Citing the Ibadan runway incident, where a Hawker 800XP with registration mark, 5NAMM (allegedly operated commercial services) crashed into the bush after skidding off the runway on November 3, 2023 with severe damage to the aircraft, Najomo said the risk-based surveillance will put an end to such illegal operations, as it will “close any potential gaps by the increased validity period of AOCs (Air Operator Certificate) for unscheduled operators.”
Another area of focus, according to Najomo, is that the NCAA will implement a simplified certification and licensing system to facilitate the ease of doing business in the aviation industry.
In a bid to recover debts from airlines, the Acting DG said the NCAA will also implement a ‘no pay, no service’ policy, adding that a joint Task Force for debt recovery will enforce the cost recovery drive, with strict sanctions, including denial of AOC renewals, for non-compliant debtors.
However, Najomo assured that repayment plans would be scheduled conveniently for airlines committed to the debt recovery policy, allowing them to continue enjoying services from the Authority.
