Rabbani praises NCAA workforce development
The Director of the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Fabio Rabbani, has praised the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for strengthening its workforce through sustained professional training and capacity development.
Rabbani gave the commendation on the sidelines of the 11th ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week in Cairo, Egypt, held from July 27 to 31, 2026. He specifically lauded NCAA Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, for prioritising staff training through partnerships with ICAO, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other globally recognised training institutions.
According to Rabbani, the investment in human capital has positioned the NCAA among Africa’s leading civil aviation authorities. He also expressed the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s aviation regulator.
“The NCAA is a leading Civil Aviation Authority on the continent, and the CDI looks forward to further collaborations that will strengthen Nigeria’s civil aviation regulatory agency,” Rabbani said.
Responding, Capt. Najomo reaffirmed his commitment to building a stronger and more efficient regulatory authority following his appointment as Director-General.
He explained that the NCAA has expanded its staff development programme beyond officers on Grade Level 14 and above to include employees from Grade Level 10. According to him, the move is designed to develop younger professionals early in their careers and strengthen the Authority’s oversight capability.
“We need to catch them young and train them in order to make the Authority better equipped to carry out its oversight functions,” Najomo said.
The DGCA added that continuous investment in people remains central to the NCAA’s vision of maintaining high regulatory standards and aligning Nigeria’s aviation oversight with international best practices. He noted that partnerships with ICAO, IATA and other leading capacity development organisations will continue to support the Authority’s long-term institutional growth.
