To address Nigeria’s shortage of skilled aviation workers, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an empowerment initiative. The initiative aims to prepare over 100 young Nigerians in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Kaduna with the tools needed for youth aviation careers.
Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, spoke on the programme in Port Harcourt. He noted that although opportunities abound in aviation, youths must gain relevant skills to access them. Captain Najomo was represented by Director Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr Godwin Balang.
He explained that this initiative aligns with a national empowerment framework approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February 2025. Following that directive, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development instructed all agencies to develop programmes that support youth involvement.
Captain Najomo stated that Nigerian youths were categorised into three groups. These include graduates of tertiary institutions, non-tertiary educated youths, and school dropouts. The AUDP, he stressed, currently targets graduates with academic credentials who lack the experience to enter the workforce.
Najomo said, “Today’s remarks focus on graduates like you, equipped with certificates, but unsure of how to transition into meaningful aviation roles.”
Initial training courses include Passenger and Baggage Handling and Airport Protocol and Logistics. These skills will be vital across several operations within aviation and hospitality industries. According to the NCAA, the demand for skilled professionals spans far beyond pilots and flight attendants.
Captain Najomo described aviation as a multidisciplinary field, requiring expertise in airport operations, flight coordination, safety oversight, and logistics. He listed job roles like air traffic services, aeronautical engineering, aircraft maintenance, regulatory compliance, and environmental management.
Other areas available to interested youths include drone technology, aviation security, artificial intelligence, digital systems, and sustainable aviation. These diverse options were designed to reflect the evolving structure of aviation careers and the increasing relevance of data-driven operations.
Najomo pointed out that young Nigerians interested in drone technology could leverage this for surveillance, logistics, and emergency responses. He emphasised that youth aviation careers must now include digital skills and technical capacity to meet future demands.
The Director General said the aim of AUDP is not just about recruitment, but sparking interest and building long-term competence. He encouraged participants to visit websites of NCAA, NAMA, FAAN, NCAT, NSIB, and NiMET to understand sector-specific expectations.
“Do not try to master everything,” Najomo advised. “Pick areas such as airport management or aircraft safety and focus on growing capacity in that field.”
He also recommended mastering digital tools used in aviation, including Excel, GIS, and data visualisation platforms. “From documentation to surveillance, aviation runs on digital systems,” he added.
He urged young Nigerians to connect with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, join youth aviation groups, and attend webinars hosted by aviation bodies.
Najomo, who has flown within and outside Nigeria for over 45 years, highlighted the importance of soft skills. He advised participants to demonstrate integrity, punctuality, discipline, and communication—qualities essential for success in aviation.
“Character matters as much as qualifications,” he warned. “Respect for rules, precision, and ethics define aviation professionals.”
The NCAA’s role in AUDP, according to him, includes listening to youth, offering clear information, and connecting them with relevant training. The agency also plans to collaborate with partners to grow skill-building pathways.
“We will not overpromise,” he assured, “but we will take measured steps to help young Nigerians move into meaningful aviation careers.”
He concluded by encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace the opportunity presented by AUDP. “Let this programme be the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go,” he said.
This initiative, while still in its infancy, sets the foundation for sustainable youth aviation careers in Nigeria.
