In this report, we delve into Captain Chris Najomo’s one-year tenure as the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, examining the innovative reforms he has introduced at the NCAA. Are these changes truly transformative, or do they fall short of expectations? Discover the impact of his leadership and the debates surrounding his policies and activities.
Captain Chris Najomo, in his role as Acting Director General, Civil Aviation (NCAA), has led innovative reforms at NCAA and Nigeria’s aviation sector. With a strong emphasis on regulatory enforcement, operational safety, and financial sustainability, he is raising expectations for the industry’s future. While these efforts, in collaboration with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, reflect a clear commitment to aligning with global aviation standards, their full impact is expected to unfold over time.
Over the past year, Najomo has introduced policies and initiatives that have drawn mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. However, an industry expert explained, “Some may focus on specific aspects, but a Director General must maintain a broad, bird’s-eye view of the industry rather than a siloed perspective. Over time, the full benefits and intent behind these initiatives will become more clearer to the industry.
Strengthening Aviation Safety Oversight with FDAC
Under Najomo’s watch, the NCAA inaugurated its Flight Data Analysis Centre (FDAC) on December 11, 2024. Minister Keyamo officially commissioned this state-of-the-art facility, praising it as a game-changer in aviation oversight. Describing the centre as pivotal, Keyamo emphasized its role in creating a robust safety data bank and enhancing compliance with international standards.
Najomo, supported by Director of Special Duties Mr. Horatius Egua, led the development of this legacy project. The FDAC’s advanced capabilities include analyzing flight data recorders (FDRs) and cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) to detect anomalies and prevent safety incidents. This proactive, data-driven approach enables the NCAA to address safety concerns effectively, aligning Nigeria’s aviation operations with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Keyamo further underscored the facility’s importance, stating, “This initiative underscores our commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s aviation oversight framework. It is a significant step towards ensuring safer skies for all.” The FDAC not only strengthens safety oversight but also bolsters operational efficiency across the aviation industry.
NCAA Adjusts Aircraft Entry Policy to Encourage Investment
In a bid to encourage further investments and categorise operations, the NCAA is revising its aircraft entry policy. This adjustment, announced by Captain Chris Najomo during the launch of the new Consumer Protection Portal training program, aims to accommodate the specific needs of different carriers.
The revised policy, effective from 2025, will offer more flexibility to operators. While larger airlines may still be required to bring in six aircraft, smaller operators flying short routes, like Lagos-Ibadan or Lagos-Ilorin, may be allowed to start with as few as three aircraft. Najomo emphasized the policy’s aim to support newcomers in the industry, encouraging more players to enter the aviation landscape. Already, five new airlines have received their operational certificates due to this new flexibility. What generated controversy when it was introduced, has been made investor friendly.
Digitizing NCAA Operations with New Portal
As part of its broader modernisation efforts, the NCAA has made significant strides in digitising its operations. Captain Najomo announced the launch of a new portal that will facilitate the digital processing of approvals, licenses, recertifications, and passenger complaints.
“The digital system is going to be awesome,” said Najomo, referencing the two-year journey that led to the development of the portal. Consequently, this system will enhance the efficiency of the NCAA, allowing for quicker processing and real-time monitoring of airline performance. The portal will also enable the public to view airline service evaluations, offering insights into the best and worst performers.
Furthermore, the new Consumer Protection Portal will expedite the resolution of passenger complaints, streamline operational processes, and provide detailed reports on airline service quality, from check-in to disembarkation. Additionally, Najomo stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders, noting that both local and foreign airlines would be assessed through this portal.
Addressing Complaints and Improving Service
Najomo confirmed that the NCAA designed a staff training program to equip airline and regulatory personnel with essential skills. The initiative aims to address recurring complaints about delayed or canceled flights. Moreover, this initiative will help address service failures and improve the overall travel experience.
“We are training our staff, but it’s important to involve all stakeholders to understand how this portal works,” Najomo added, emphasizing the need for industry-wide participation in the successful implementation of the system.
Tackling Illegal Charter Operations
Najomo is also addressing the issue of illegal charter operations, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and foreign-registered aircraft. Similarly, these operators have been found to be complicit in conducting charter services without proper oversight. Also, not only do they compromise safety but also deny government revenue through their illegality. The NCAA is cracking down on such activities, enforcing stricter regulations and similarly, ensuring that charter operators comply with transparent passenger manifesting practices.
“This crackdown aims to bring transparency and accountability to the charter industry,” Najomo stated, underscoring the importance of regulatory enforcement in safeguarding fair competition and ensuring passenger safety.
Sanctioning Non-Compliance in PNCF Operations
Furthermore, the NCAA under Najomo has also taken decisive actions to uphold regulatory standards. Ten airlines were sanctioned for using Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) for unauthorized charter operations. This crackdown, led by the Ministerial Task Force, highlighted the misuse of private jets by high-net-worth individuals for commercial purposes, bypassing regulatory oversight.
The NCAA suspended permits for offending operators and initiated a review of all PNCF holders to ensure adherence to licensing terms. This action reinforces the Authority’s commitment to fair competition, safety, and operational integrity in the sector. The airlines sanctioned on July 4th, 2024, include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, and Matrix Energy Ltd.
Others are Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd, and Ezuma Jets Ltd. The suspension was due to a flagrant disregard of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4. Moreover, this regulation forbids PNCF license holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
Recertification of Lagos and Abuja Airports
Under Najomo’s leadership, the NCAA achieved a landmark recertification of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA). Resolving over 160 compliance issues, the initiative reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to global safety standards.
Plans are underway to recertify additional airports nationwide, focusing on infrastructure modernization and operational efficiency. This therefore, aligns with the NCAA’s vision to enhance passenger experience and maintain consistent compliance with ICAO standards.
with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Aircraft Inspection
Najomo, in one of his innovative reforms at NCAA, has also addressed growing concerns over allegations of corruption in aircraft inspections. He emphasized the need to cut down on the practice of inspectors traveling abroad for inspections, which has raised questions about potential compromises. Najomo proposed that conducting these inspections within Nigeria would enhance transparency and reinforce the integrity of the regulatory process.
According to him, allowing aircraft inspections to take place locally would not only reduce operational costs but also strengthen the NCAA’s oversight capacity. He noted that building local capacity for inspections would help ensure compliance with global safety standards, foster public trust, and safeguard the credibility of the aviation sector. This, he said, is a critical step toward improving Nigeria’s aviation safety record.
Updating IDERA Procedures for Aircraft Financing Confidence
In line with fostering a favorable environment for aircraft financing, Captain Najomo championed updates to the NCAA’s IDERA procedures. These updates, aligning with the Cape Town Convention, ensure transparent deregistration processes in dispute cases, boosting Nigeria’s credibility among global financiers.
Minister Keyamo described the move as essential for positioning Nigeria as a viable hub for aircraft financing and leasing.
Strengthening Consumer Rights and Regulatory Enforcement
Moreover, the NCAA has intensified enforcement to protect consumer rights and ensure airline compliance. Recent sanctions against airlines for infractions like delayed refunds and mishandling of luggage demonstrate the Authority’s proactive stance.
By addressing these issues, the NCAA fosters trust and accountability, particularly during periods of heightened demand. These actions underscore the Authority’s role in maintaining operational discipline and protecting passengers’ interests.
Director of Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu said the Acting DG has created some plausible impact by improving the ease of doing business without compromising standards. According to him, recent rejuvenation in the Consumer Protection Department is due to Najomo’s support and vision. Furthermore, he stressed that Najomo has with his innovative thinking improved processes and procedures.
Achimugu, in a recent post says the Acting DG’s one year in office is filled with milestones that would ensure the CAA steps into the future and meet its peers.
Charting a New Course for Nigerian Aviation
Captain Chris Najomo’s leadership at the NCAA marks a critical turning point for Nigerian aviation. His innovative reforms, from the establishment of the Flight Data Analysis Centre to driving financial and regulatory advancements, are essential for Nigeria to align with global aviation standards. In collaboration with Minister Keyamo, Najomo is steering the sector toward greater safety, efficiency, and international competitiveness. These reforms are not just transformative—they are vital for Nigeria’s aviation industry to thrive on the global stage.
