The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority bagged multiple recognitions at the 15th edition of the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards. Meanwhile, the Authority secured honours across institutional and individual categories under the leadership of Capt. Chris Ona Najomo. Therefore, the strong showing highlights sustained reforms, improved regulatory efficiency, and growing industry confidence in Najomo’s direction.
The 2026 NIGAV Awards in Lagos held in Lagos on April 17, 2026, saw the regulatory agency securing eight honours.
Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, emerged as a central figure, earning dual recognitions for leadership and long-term impact. Therefore, the night reinforced the NCAA’s growing influence in aviation governance.
Captain Najomo
Capt. Najomo received the Aviation Agency CEO of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award. These honours recognised his reforms in safety oversight and regulatory efficiency. In addition, his ease of doing business policy has transformed certification timelines. The Air Operator Certificate process, once taking years, now concludes within months. He has also championed the digitisation of processes and procedures within the Authority, beginning with the Aero Medical Licence. Consequently, stakeholders increasingly reference Najomo as a benchmark for regulatory innovation in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Also honoured was Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, whose work has reshaped consumer engagement. He received the Aviation Agency Director Award for strengthening passenger rights enforcement. Meanwhile, his department has transitioned from low visibility to industry prominence. Through active complaint resolution and social media engagement, the unit now drives accountability. Therefore, Achimugu’s approach reflects a broader institutional shift under Najomo’s leadership.
Dr (Mrs) Anastasia Gbem, Director of Human Resources and Administration, also earned special recognition. Her contributions to organisational leadership and workforce development stood out. In addition, the Authority itself secured multiple awards for innovation and service delivery. These included recognition for its SMS Pro platform as well as honours for excellence in consumer protection, customer service delivery, passenger front desk information services, and ease of doing business.
Reacting, Capt. Najomo credited the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for enabling reforms. He noted that policy direction and institutional support have accelerated sectoral growth. “These awards reflect collective commitment and reform-driven progress,” he stated. Furthermore, he praised organisers, FCI International Limited, for the recognition, noting that the awards reflect the collective efforts of management and staff. Therefore, the achievements extend beyond individuals to institutional resilience.
In his goodwill message, delivered by Permanent Secretary Mr Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Minister highlighted ongoing reforms and investments in infrastructure, policy direction, and institutional strengthening. Meanwhile, these efforts aim to reposition aviation as a driver of economic and national development. They also align with global benchmarks promoted by International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association.
The 2026 NIGAV Awards therefore underline a clear narrative. Under Najomo, NCAA is consolidating regulatory credibility and operational excellence. In addition, its focus on consumer protection and digital systems strengthens passenger confidence. As reforms deepen, the Authority’s trajectory suggests sustained alignment with international standards. For more aviation updates, visit NigerianFLIGHTDECK and explore regulatory frameworks via Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
