…A New Era
…Consumer-Focused
…Tech-Driven Vision
In less than a year as acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo has brought transformative changes, proving that a seasoned industry professional can drive lasting improvements in civil aviation.
His tenure so far has been marked by initiatives that not only improve workplace efficiency and staff morale but also enhance Nigeria’s international aviation standing.
Appointed in early 2024 amidst sweeping reforms by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Najomo’s selection was celebrated as a rare example of political impartiality in appointments.
Recognized for his profound industry knowledge, Najomo took on his role with a clear vision: to renew the NCAA from within and reinvigorate Nigerian aviation.
In an interview, the spokesman, African Aviation Renaissance Group (AARG), Comrade Akanbi Adimula, in these months, he has achieved milestones that have already shifted the sector’s trajectory and raised stakeholders’ expectations for the future.
He said, Najomo’s leadership style stands out for its collaborative approach. He has implemented the Minister’s five-point agenda with dedication, creating a unified atmosphere among management and employees.
His open-door policy and regular interactions with unions have built trust and fostered stability, a change that has led to greater staff engagement and satisfaction.
According to comrade Adimula, under his guidance, the NCAA has not only addressed long-standing personnel issues, such as clearing housing arrears from 2019 and ending staff stagnation, but also fostered a culture of appreciation, instituting awards for outstanding service—a first for the organization.
Further underscoring his commitment to both accountability and modernization, Najomo restructured key departments, establishing units for Project Monitoring and Quality Assurance to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The recently established Flight Incidents Data Centre is a testament to his forward-thinking mindset, addressing the industry’s long-standing data needs and helping aviation authorities make better-informed decisions.
Najomo’s emphasis on technical advancement is evident in his rapid rollout of the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) with assistance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
This initiative, along with the formation of the National Executive Safety Committee, aligns with Nigeria’s new State Safety Programme (SSP), an ambitious strategy to ensure a zero-accident goal for Nigerian aviation.
Najomo’s dedication to safety has further seen the creation of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) unit, promoting the responsible growth of drone technology in Nigeria.
His consumer-focused reforms have not gone unnoticed either. Najomo introduced a revamped Consumer Protection Department, equipped with a new complaints portal, allowing passengers to track and resolve issues with ease.
For the first time, Consumer Protection officers can be identified by new uniforms, a change that strengthens their visibility and underscores the NCAA’s commitment to customer care.
By promoting consumer rights in cases of ticket refunds, compensations, and foreign airline relations, Najomo has made air travel more responsive to passengers’ needs, reinforcing NCAA’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
These achievements have occurred alongside significant operational successes. The recent ICAO audit of Nigeria’s civil aviation security found zero significant security concerns, a clear endorsement of the country’s improved aviation standards.
Moreover, the AARG spokesman stressed that, his work with industry partners has made previously high international flight fares more accessible to Nigerians, with local airlines like Air Peace now offering direct routes to London, adding that, his team also streamlined licensing procedures, significantly reducing the certification time for operators, a move that supports the sector’s growth.
Captain Najomo’s tenure as acting DG, he said, has been a revelation for Nigerian civil aviation, with his administration implementing a new regulatory software and launching efficiency-focused projects that mirror best practices worldwide.
Explaining further, his leadership, supported by Minister Keyamo and the federal government, has not only restored confidence in NCAA but has positioned Nigeria’s aviation sector for sustained success.
Najomo’s commitment to positive change promises a bright future for Nigerian aviation, with industry experts and the public alike anticipating more reforms that will strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure and its role in global air transport.
In just eight months, Captain Chris Najomo has demonstrated that the right leadership can turn vision into reality, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian aviation history.
