…..bridge aviation skills gap, empower nigerian youth
Vowed to tackle Nigeria’s youth unemployment and address the critical shortage of skilled professionals in its burgeoning aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has embarked on an ambitious empowerment program.
This initiative, dubbed the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), aims to equip young Nigerians with the specialized technical knowledge needed to thrive in various facets of the aviation industry.
The challenge of creating meaningful employment for the nation’s teeming youth population is immense, and the aviation sector, while rich in opportunity, often suffers from a dearth of adequately trained personnel.
Recognizing this dual challenge, the NCAA’s program seeks to serve as a vital bridge, preparing young Nigerians to confidently step into the array of jobs available within the industry.
The programme has already taken flight, with over 100 youths from airport host communities across five key zones, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna beginning their training.
Initial courses are focused on fundamental yet crucial skills such as Passenger and Baggage Handling, and Airport Protocol and Logistics.
These foundational skills are designed to not only facilitate entry into the aviation sector but also to be transferable to related economic areas.
Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, unveiled the initiative to a gathering of young graduates in Port Harcourt.
He reaffirmed the vast potential within the aviation industry, emphasizing that accessing these opportunities hinges on strategic skill acquisition.
“There are a lot of opportunities that exist in the aviation industry, but the youths will have to position themselves well to benefit from them, and that is through skills acquisition,” Captain Najomo stated, his message delivered by the NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Engr. Godwin Balang.
Captain Najomo highlighted that this programme aligns with a broader national directive.
In February 2025, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a national structure for youth empowerment across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In response, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development mandated its agencies, including the NCAA, to integrate their youth-focused efforts into this overarching framework.
The AUDP has thoughtfully categorized beneficiaries into three groups: graduates of tertiary institutions, post-secondary but non-tertiary educated youths, and school dropouts, including out-of-school and at-risk youth.
The DGCA specifically addressed the first category of graduates, acknowledging their academic achievements but often their uncertainty about transitioning into meaningful work.
“The Aviation Upskilling Development Programme is one response to this gap,” he affirmed.
He passionately articulated why young Nigerians should consider a career in aviation, describing it as “one of the most dynamic and multidisciplinary sectors in the world.”
Beyond the conventional image of pilots and flight attendants, Captain Najomo painted a comprehensive picture of the industry, encompassing highly technical roles, regulatory oversight, airport management, safety assurance, environmental compliance, logistics, information technology, engineering, law, finance, and much more.
He detailed a myriad of specific job roles, ranging from air traffic services (involving airspace planning and flight coordination) and aeronautical engineering/aircraft maintenance (focused on design, maintenance, and safety standards) to flight operations and cabin crew training (preparing professionals for seamless airline service and customer experience).
Other vital areas include aviation security and safety, regulatory affairs (licensing and certification), and the rapidly expanding field of drone technology, which demands pilots, software engineers, and data analysts for surveillance, logistics, and emergency response.
The NCAA helmsman also pointed to emerging fields such as sustainable aviation and environmental management, airport operations and planning, meteorology, ICT and digital systems, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and data analytics in optimizing air traffic management and customer experience.
He emphasized, “Every one of these areas needs people. Skilled people. Committed people. People like you”.
The core objective of the AUDP, therefore, is to foster understanding and attraction among young Nigerians towards the aviation sector.
Captain Najomo acknowledged that the programme is not an instant fix but rather a progressive initiative designed to guide young people, especially graduates, into the industry.
He offered practical advice to aspiring beneficiaries: start by learning about the industry’s structure, terminology, and the roles of regulatory bodies like the NCAA and other aviation parastatals such as the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The NCAA chief encouraged focusing on one or two areas of interest, such as airport operations or drone operations, and building competence there. Mastering digital skills, from Microsoft Excel to data visualization platforms, was also highlighted as crucial in today’s technologically driven aviation landscape.
Networking and continuous learning were also central to his advice, urging them to connect with professionals on LinkedIn, join youth aviation groups, and attend webinars hosted by aviation training schools. Staying abreast of regulatory updates from agencies like NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA was presented as a way to align skills with current industry trends.
Drawing from his own extensive experience as an aviator with 45 years in the field, Captain Najomo stressed the non-negotiable importance of character.
He advised, “Aviation is not just technical; it is a sector where discipline, precision, accountability, and ethics are non-negotiable,” stressing that these values are as vital as qualifications. He encouraged developing habits of integrity, punctuality, clear communication, and respect for rules.
The NCAA’s commitment to the AUDP includes actively listening to young people, providing clear guidance, connecting them with opportunities, and engaging partners to support skill-building.
The NCAA boss reiterated, “We will not over-promise but we will do our part, step by step to open the space and carry young Nigerians forward into the aviation future. To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it. Let the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme be a conversation starter. Let it be a bridge between where you are and where you want to go.”
