“In fact, sometimes I say to myself, ‘na so dem dey do the other airline? Because e be like say na only us them dey regulate like this.’”

BY ANTHONY OMOH

As the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) marked its 25th anniversary in Abuja, George Uriesi, Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, commended the agency’s stringent regulatory oversight and effectiveness in industry compliance.

Uriesi highlighted NCAA’s evolution, stating that Nigeria’s aviation sector no longer operates under outdated standards. “It’s amazing that in a forum of industry professionals, we seem to be so oblivious of the fact that this is no longer 1989 or 1991. They have no idea how effective as CAA has become,” he remarked.

He emphasized Ibom Air’s strict regulatory compliance under NCAA’s supervision, sometimes making him wonder if other airlines face the same level of scrutiny. “In fact, sometimes I say to myself, ‘na so dem dey do the other airline? Because e be like say na only us them dey regulate like this.’”

Uriesi praised NCAA’s professionalism, noting its firm stance on regulation regardless of relationships. “The NCAA is effective. The NCAA is professional. The NCAA does not allow any slack whatsoever. No matter what kind of relationships you have with it.”

He recalled a recent incident where NCAA rejected an airline’s request, reinforcing its commitment to firm oversight. He also acknowledged NCAA’s strong consumer protection enforcement. “Even though we prefer the NCAA does not harass us for consumer protection, but men, the way the NCAA is now carrying on with this consumer protection matter, the thing strong.”

Uriesi congratulated Captain Chris Najomo on his confirmation as the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), commending his leadership and NCAA’s progress. “I want to congratulate you on your confirmation and for the work that you’ve done, and I also want to express to the CAA hearty congratulations. Fantastic work that the CAA has done.”

As NCAA celebrates 25 years, industry leaders like Uriesi recognize its crucial role in enforcing safety, compliance, and regulatory excellence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.