The Control Tower: A Leverage Board
You might think you know Captain Chris Najomo, his decades in the cockpit, his rise through the ranks, and his current role as Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. But it’s the lesser-known arc of his journey from the Air Traffic Controller’s chair to the pilot-in-command’s seat that is now resonating as a powerful source of inspiration within the industry.
Speaking at a recent air traffic control gathering in Lagos, ‘Jolly Papa’ as fondly called industry-wide, revisited that defining transition, reflecting on how his career began behind the radar screen before he moved into the cockpit, an unconventional, yet logical path that shaped both his operational depth and leadership perspective.
Licensed as a pilot in 1983 and obtaining his Airline Transport Licence (ATL) in 1987, he went on to build a flying career spanning more than four decades. Over that period, he accumulated more than 24,000 flight hours as a captain, operating both regional and wide-bodied aircraft, experience that now informs his approach as Nigeria’s chief aviation regulator.
Recounting his journey, Najomo encouraged young professionals to see aviation careers as dynamic rather than rigid, noting that early roles can serve as steppingstones to broader opportunities within the sector.
His story, moving from guiding aircraft safely from the ground to commanding them in the air, struck a chord with participants, particularly air traffic controllers and trainees, many of whom saw in his trajectory a rare but attainable example of cross-disciplinary growth.
Beyond inspiration, the NCAA DG tied his experience to a broader message about professionalism, discipline and continuous learning in a safety-critical industry. He emphasised that understanding aviation from multiple vantage points, both in the tower and in the cockpit has reinforced his commitment to safety, collaboration and effective communication across the system.
Industry stakeholders say such narratives are particularly relevant at a time when the aviation sector is looking to strengthen capacity and attract new talent into specialised roles, including air traffic management and flight operations.
By sharing his journey, Najomo not only highlighted the possibilities within aviation careers but also underscored the value of resilience, adaptability and long-term dedication.
For many in attendance, the takeaway was clear: the path to the top of the aviation industry may not be linear, but it is possible.
Humble Beginnings at the Control Tower
Captain Najomo’s aviation journey began far from the cockpit. “I was there as an air traffic control assistant,” he recalls. “I stayed near the quarters, so I was always the first to arrive at the tower.”
His job was simple: record weather and flight details for the controllers. “All you need to do is write weather for the controller,” he says. “You cannot carry that mic because you have not gone to the course.”
Yet, Najomo’s curiosity set him apart. “I used to listen carefully to what the controllers were saying, even when I wasn’t directly involved,” he explains. “I wanted to understand everything.”
Lesson 1: Courage to Act
One day, an experience changed everything. “The controller himself did not come,” Najomo recalls. “Nigeria 261 had called three times. I said, I have to do something.”
After some hesitation and consequence weighing, he picked up the mic despite not being trained. “I said, ‘Nigeria 261, this is Enugu, go ahead.’ I did everything the controller would have done,” he remembers.
The chief of facility was monitoring remotely. “Later, he said, ‘Thank you for doing what you did,’” Najomo says. “I realized then that courage can define your path.”
Lesson 2: Responsibility Matters
Even as an assistant, every action counts. “You are responsible for lives, even when it seems small,” he notes. Observing senior controllers, he learned the weight of decisions made in the control tower.
“The sky does not wait for anyone,” he adds. “Responsibility is immediate, and the smallest action can have big consequences.”
Lesson 3: Observation is Learning
Najomo absorbed knowledge through observation. “I remember everything they did, how they spoke, how they managed emergencies,” he explains. “Watching taught me skills books could not.”
He emphasizes that young aviation professionals must pay attention to every detail. “You learn not just procedures but judgment, timing, and decision-making,” he says.
Lesson 4: Initiative Opens Doors
That day he spoke to Nigeria 261 demonstrated the power of initiative. “Sometimes, you have to act before someone tells you to,” he explains. “That moment at the tower defined my approach to challenges throughout my career.”
Being proactive allowed him to gain the trust of senior staff and prepared him for higher responsibilities in aviation.
Lesson 5: Mentorship Shapes Success
Mentorship played a key role in Najomo’s growth. “The chief of facility, my father, and other experienced controllers taught me not just techniques but responsibility,” he recalls.
“You must seek guidance from those who have walked the path,” he advises aspiring pilots. “Their experience teaches lessons books cannot offer.”
Lesson 6: Transition Skills Translate
Moving from tower to cockpit was a challenge. “Learning to fly required discipline and patience,” Najomo admits. “But my control tower experience gave me an edge: communication, emergency management, and foresight.”
Each skill he learned in the tower translated into real-world piloting. “Preparation and attention to detail are everything,” he says. “They become second nature in the cockpit.”
Lesson 7: Passion Fuels Perseverance
Najomo’s story demonstrates the importance of passion. “The sky was always calling,” he says. “Every lesson in the control tower, every flight, fueled my perseverance.”
He encourages young aviation enthusiasts to stay dedicated. “Even small roles matter,” he notes. “They are the foundation for an extraordinary career.”
Transitioning from Tower to Cockpit
After gaining experience in Lagos, Najomo joined the Lagos Flying Club. “My first solo cross-country was to Ilorin, and my father was my controller on duty,” he says.
Flying with guidance from family gave him confidence. “It was very easy because my dad guided me through the control tower communication,” he recalls. “I knew I could rely on his oversight.”
Reflections on Aviation and Leadership
Today, Captain Najomo’s story inspires both controllers and aspiring pilots. “From the control tower to the cockpit, every experience counts,” he says. “You cannot underestimate small roles.”
He stresses that aviation teaches patience, discipline, and foresight. “Every lesson, observation, and decision in the control tower shaped my approach to leadership and flying,” he adds.
Conclusion
Captain Chris Najomo’s rise from a control tower assistant to a seasoned pilot is a story of courage, initiative, and mentorship. His seven lessons courage, responsibility, observation, initiative, mentorship, skill translation, and passion serve as a guide for aspiring aviators.
“Opportunities may come when you least expect them,” he says. “Be ready to step up. The lessons from the control tower are with me every day.”
