Talent, not gender, determines advancement in aviation, says Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo.
Speaking to mark the 2026 IWD, Captain Najomo affirmed that women have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector. According to him, female professionals continue to shape aviation across flight operations, engineering, air traffic management, safety oversight and regulatory leadership.
The NCAA chief therefore reiterated the agency’s commitment to equal opportunities while calling for renewed industry-wide support for gender inclusion.
Captain Najomo stressed that women remain central to the growth and resilience of aviation. He noted that their contributions continue to strengthen safety, innovation and operational efficiency.
In a statement issued by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, the regulator highlighted the importance of recognising women’s achievements on IWD.
“Women are central to the safety, innovation and resilience of aviation,” Najomo said.
He added that the NCAA would continue to remove barriers and expand opportunities for women across the industry.
Meanwhile, the NCAA director-general emphasised that celebrating women in aviation must go beyond recognition.
According to him, meaningful progress requires investment in training, mentorship and inclusive workplace policies. These steps, he explained, will help ensure that **talent rather than gender determines advancement** within the aviation sector.
Najomo added that strengthening professional development for women will also improve safety and operational standards.
“Celebrating women in aviation must be matched with action,” he said. “By investing in training and removing systemic obstacles, we build a stronger and safer industry.”
IWD Theme Aligns with NCAA Inclusion Strategy
Speaking on the 2026 IWD theme, Captain Najomo explained that the NCAA’s gender inclusion strategy aligns with the campaign’s “Give To Gain” principle.
The theme emphasises reciprocity, collaboration and support among professionals across sectors. Consequently, the aviation regulator believes empowering women will strengthen the entire aviation ecosystem.
Najomo further acknowledged the leadership and technical excellence of female professionals within the NCAA and across partner organisations.
Their dedication, he said, continues to shape regulatory oversight, operational safety and industry development.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Farouk Ahmed Umar, emphasised the increasing impact of women in aviation.
Represented by Acting General Manager Standards, Mrs. Hauwa Musa, the NAMA chief delivered his message during the 2026 **IWD** celebration organised by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.
According to him, aviation remains a discipline built on precision, innovation and teamwork.
For decades, however, the industry was largely perceived as male-dominated. Today, that narrative is gradually changing.
Women now occupy key roles as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation managers and regulators.
The NAMA chief also highlighted the increasing number of women working within the agency.
He noted that female air traffic controllers, engineers and technical specialists perform complex operational duties daily. Their expertise ensures the safe and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace.
“These achievements remind us that aviation is ultimately about human capacity,” the message stated.
Skill, discipline and professional responsibility, he added, are qualities determined by opportunity and dedication rather than gender.
Despite the progress recorded, the NAMA management acknowledged that women remain underrepresented globally in some aviation technical and leadership roles.
Bridging this gap therefore requires sustained efforts through mentorship, training access and supportive institutional policies.
In addition, the agency emphasised the need to inspire young girls across Nigeria to pursue aviation careers.
Seeing women fly aircraft, manage air traffic operations and lead aviation institutions, it noted, will encourage future generations to join the industry.
Both NCAA and NAMA leaders therefore called on aviation stakeholders to deepen collaboration across the sector.
Pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, regulators and service providers must continue working together to maintain high safety standards.
As the aviation industry marks IWD, leaders insist that the focus should remain on creating an environment where talent thrives.
Such an approach, they believe, will ensure sustainable growth and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation system in line with global best practices promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
