In a remarkable display of leadership and vision, Captain Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has rewritten the script of excellence in the aviation industry.
Since assuming office, Captain Najomo has been a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the regulatory body and the industry as a whole.
Under his watch, the NCAA has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a renewed focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Captain Najomo’s sterling qualities have earned him the admiration of stakeholders, who have hailed his leadership as a breath of fresh air in the industry.
According to the Vice President, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, and Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, “This is a man who has come into the industry; he is not a novice at all. This is one of Nigeria’s finest pilots ever created under the sun, quote me, Captain Chris Najomo is one of the most proficient pilots under the sun not just Nigeria. He has paid his dues.”
A NEW ERA OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Captain Najomo’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to transparency and accountability. He has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, including the creation of a Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit (PMCEU) to ensure probity and transparency in the execution of NCAA projects.
The Acting DGCA has also established a Quality Assurance department to promote compliance with technical and non-technical policies and procedures within the NCAA.
This move has been hailed as a major step towards ensuring that the regulatory body is more effective and efficient in its operations.
A Stakeholders writes, “In the most recent future – and it won’t be long – the aviation industry will acknowledge that it owes this man a debt of gratitude. The EASE OF DOING BUSINESS WITHOUT COMPROMISING STANDARDS mantra that he has executed in the NCAA in just once year as Ag. Director-General has caused immeasurable impact.
I am an apostle of praising people while they are still alive to enjoy applause for their good work”.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: THE TOP PRIORITY
Captain Najomo has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance safety and security in the aviation industry. He has worked closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop a Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), which aims to improve the safety and security of Nigeria’s civil aviation sector.
The Acting DGCA has also been instrumental in the development of a National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) and the inauguration of the committee, which is a key requirement for the implementation of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP).
CONSUMER PROTECTION: A PRIORITY
Captain Najomo has also been a champion of consumer protection, working tirelessly to ensure that passengers receive the best possible service.
He has rebranded the Consumer Protection Department, launched a portal for easy complaint resolution, and automated the complaint initiation, tracking, and resolution/closure process.
A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION
Captain Najomo’s leadership has been marked by a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. He has worked closely with the Minister of Aviation, the Honourable Minister, and other stakeholders to drive the growth of the aviation industry.
The Acting DGCA has also been instrumental in the development of a simplified certification process, which has liberalized and simplified the registration and usage of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Nigeria.
A CALL FOR OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION
As Captain Najomo marks one year in office, stakeholders are calling for his official confirmation as the Director-General of the NCAA. His achievements have been nothing short of remarkable, and his leadership has been hailed as a breath of fresh air in the industry.
A prominent industry player remarked, “In just one year, Captain Najomo has revolutionized the NCAA. From enhancing safety standards to resolving staff welfare issues and making air travel more affordable, his achievements are commendable. The flight data center alone is a game-changer, and his open-door policy has ensured peace and stability within the workforce.”
“Not only that, he has also paid his dues in airline management, don’t forget that he was once the Managing Director of an airline. So he knows the pains of the operators. On the other side too you need to go to NCAA. When you go to the NCAA today, the people are full of smiles because of Najomo. This is the kind of thing nobody should pray to lose. If we take it for granted we will get our fingers burnt”, says Mr. Allen Onyema.
He added, “The AON of which I am a leader is affirming today that the regime of Najomo has brought the ease of doing business to the fore and we are all enjoying it in the aviation industry today. I am speaking as AON not as Air Peace or Allen Onyema now. We have complete trust in him; we are enjoying what he has done. As one of the leaders of AON, I get reports, that everybody is singing good things about the industry and when I went before President Tinubu and thanked him for the appointments he brought to bear in the aviation industry”.
African Aviation Renaissance Group (AARG) Spokesman of the group, Comrade Akanbi Adimula, “And many months down the line, Najomo’s appointment though on an acting capacity, has turned out to be the much needed elixir and healing balm which the NCAA and Nigeria Civil Aviation have been waiting for after the not-too impressive industrial showing of the last administration”.
“Today, Nigerians and those who should know are boldly pointing to the numerous positive innovations that have brought about great improvements and have renewed the hopes of industry stakeholders and workers alike in the sector,” he said.
A Civil Society Group, Centre for Leadership Excellence and Transparency (CELT), says, “A highly dynamic down-to-earth leader, Najomo operates an open-door policy and a robust labour-relations, as he host regular engagement either formally or informally with the NCAA unions aimed at confidence-building, dialogue, peace and stability in the workforce”.
A passionate stakeholder/Director , Public Affairs and Consumer Protection NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu writes, “Dear Capt. Chris Najomo, as you mark one year in office, I celebrate the milestones you have achieved, and the courage with which you have taken on the challenges which you inherited.
It does not matter how the future plays out, you already proved your mettle. You have automated most of our processes. The flight data center is huge step in preventing accidents and collating data. The Consumer Protection Department owes its rejuvenation to your support and vision.
The DATR portal is a loud statement about your intentions, as has been your ability to pay workers what was unjustly owed them for years, despite budget provisions and approvals.
You historically signed the IDERA and cut down the alleged corruption of inspections by allowing aircraft to be inspected in Nigeria.
The NCAA in particular, and the aviation industry in general, owe you flowers for ensuring that Nigeria achieved an admirable score in the last audit.
As more aircraft come into Nigeria, airlines will be better equipped to serve passengers and there will be less disruptions. I know how strategically you have been trying to fix the issues that cause high airfares. There is so much I could say, but I will stop here for now.
Congratulations, dear DGCA. It’s been an honour working with you.
In conclusion, Captain Chris Najomo’s tenure as the Acting Director-General of the NCAA has been a remarkable journey of transformation, innovation, and excellence.
His commitment to safety, security, and customer satisfaction has earned him the admiration of stakeholders, and his leadership has been hailed as a major step towards the growth and development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
