The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, has emphasised that capacity remains central to unlocking Nigeria’s aviation growth, even as gaps in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure persist.
Speaking at the maiden Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) 2026 in Lagos, he said the sector’s future depends on three interconnected pillars: capital, confidence, and capacity.
“The theme of this summit, ‘Unlocking Capital, Confidence and Capacity in Nigeria Aviation,’ is both timely and instructive,” Najomo stated. “It captures… the three interconnected pillars upon which the future of our aviation sector must be built.”
He explained that without sufficient capacity, investments in aircraft acquisition may not translate into sustainable operational gains across the industry.
Capital Constraints and Financing Barriers
Najomo noted that aircraft acquisition remains highly capital-intensive, making access to funding a persistent challenge for airlines. Therefore, strengthening financing structures and legal frameworks is essential to unlocking fleet expansion.
“Aircraft acquisition is capital-intensive, and without access to sustainable and affordable financing, fleet expansion and modernization may remain limited,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative financing approaches tailored to Nigeria’s environment. In addition, he stressed that reforms must support long-term investment while reinforcing the sector’s overall capacity.
Building Investor Confidence Through Regulation
Investor confidence was described as a critical driver of aviation investment. Najomo explained that financiers and lessors require assurance of regulatory predictability and compliance with international standards.
“At the NCAA, we are resolute in abiding by the Cape Town Convention through a firm implementation of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA),” he stated.
He added that Nigeria’s regulatory framework is being strengthened through digital systems and improved manpower. These measures, he said, enhance transparency and reinforce trust, thereby supporting both investment inflows and sectoral capacity.
MRO Infrastructure: A Key Capacity Gap
A major concern highlighted in the speech was the limited development of domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
Najomo warned that expanding fleets without matching MRO capacity could undermine operational efficiency and increase costs. Airlines may continue to depend heavily on foreign maintenance providers if local infrastructure is not developed.
“At the same time, national capacity must be strengthened through… the development of local Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities,” he said.
He further explained that inadequate MRO infrastructure leads to capital outflow, as aircraft are sent abroad for maintenance. Strengthening local capacity would help retain value within the economy while improving turnaround times and operational reliability.
Aligning Fleet Growth with Operational Capacity
Najomo cautioned airlines against uncoordinated fleet expansion, stressing the need for strategic planning. Aircraft acquisition must align with route demand, operational needs, and maintenance capacity.
“Aircraft selection should align with route structures, market demand, and maintenance capability,” he said. “Uncoordinated fleet expansion often leads to inefficiencies and increased operational challenges.”
He emphasised that sustainable aviation growth requires synchronization between fleet size and supporting infrastructure. Without this alignment, investments may not deliver optimal returns.
Human Capital as a Pillar of Capacity
Human capital development was also identified as a critical element of capacity. Najomo noted that training and competence-building among aviation professionals are essential for sustaining growth.
Investment in skilled personnel, including pilots, engineers, and technical staff, ensures that the industry can safely manage modern aircraft and evolving technologies. Therefore, workforce development must progress alongside infrastructure and financing reforms.
Regulatory Efficiency and Investment Outlook
Najomo reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to ease of doing business without compromising safety standards. He noted that certification processes have been streamlined to improve transparency and decision-making timelines.
Nigeria, he said, is signalling to global aviation financiers that its market is structured, reform-driven, and aligned with international frameworks. This includes strict enforcement of IDERA and adherence to global leasing standards.
He concluded that Nigeria’s aviation sector can achieve meaningful transformation if capital access, investor confidence, and capacity development are pursued in a coordinated manner. Without this balance, the full benefits of aircraft investment and industry growth may remain constrained.
