The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have urged President Bola Tinubu to confirm Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), lauding the significant transformations he has brought to the regulatory agency since his appointment last year.
AON Vice President, Dr. Allen Onyema, and the body’s spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, made this call during the International Air Transport Conference. Both leaders praised Captain Najomo’s leadership, describing it as the best the industry has experienced. They emphasized that his tenure has elevated the NCAA into one of the world’s top aviation regulatory bodies, bringing notable improvements to the safety of aircraft and passengers as well as addressing key concerns of airlines and aviation workers.
Dr. Onyema, who is also the Chairman of Air Peace, extolled Captain Najomo’s expertise, noting his exceptional qualifications as a veteran pilot and a former Managing Director of an airline. According to Onyema, Najomo’s industry knowledge has eased the challenges faced by operators, revolutionizing the sector through seamless processes and enhanced regulatory compliance.
Onyema stated: “Captain Najomo is one of the most proficient pilots in the world. He has paid his dues not only in aviation management but also as a regulator. His leadership at the NCAA has restored the ease of doing business in the aviation industry while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for safety lapses.”
Professor Okonkwo also commended Najomo, likening him to an “aviation papa” for his dedication and hands-on approach to resolving bottlenecks in the industry. He shared personal anecdotes highlighting the efficiency and responsiveness of the NCAA under Najomo’s leadership, including instances where documentation and inspections that typically took months were completed in days.
Both leaders attributed these achievements to the support of President Tinubu and the strategic leadership of the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN). They lauded Keyamo for fostering a positive revolution in the industry, which has improved Nigeria’s global aviation standing and removed the country from unofficial blacklists that previously hindered leasing opportunities for local airlines.
The AON leaders also highlighted Najomo’s proactive measures, such as expediting post-arrival aircraft inspections and streamlining regulatory processes. These steps, they said, have saved operators substantial costs and time while enhancing safety standards.
In his remarks, Onyema urged stakeholders to focus on positive developments in the aviation sector, rather than perpetuating negativity. “This government has done well for the aviation industry,” he said. “The appointment of Captain Najomo is a square peg in a square hole, and we must commend the President for this decision.”
Similarly, Okonkwo expressed concern over the future of the NCAA without Najomo’s leadership, urging his confirmation as substantive DG to ensure continuity in the progress achieved. He also called for broader regulatory reforms to position Nigeria as an aviation hub in Africa.
The AON’s unified vote of confidence in Captain Najomo underscores his impact on the aviation sector and strengthens calls for his official confirmation to continue steering the NCAA toward greater heights.