…for boosting airline competition, standards
The Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, has lauded the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards for its role as an industry performance benchmark.
This is just as he praised the organizers’ innovative approach in fostering healthy competition among airlines, particularly at the cabin crew level.
Capt. Najomo, sharing his own experiences of receiving a “Best Pilot of the Year” award in the United States and leading Arik Air to a “Best Cabin Crew of the Year” win at the 10th NIGAV Awards, emphasized the motivational impact of such recognition on driving industry progress.
He encouraged the current “King and Queen of the Air” to maintain their commitment to best practices as ambassadors for Nigerian aviation, and pledged the NCAA’s continued support for NIGAV and the NQKA initiative as strategic partners in industry promotion.
Fortune Idu, founder of the NIGAV Awards and Chairman of the NIGAV Centre, reported that preparations are finalized for the event, scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the NIGAV Expo Centre within Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
He affirmed Capt. Najomo’s collaborative spirit and positive support for innovative initiatives, noting the NCAA’s commitment to supporting the CSR activities of the incoming NKQA as a public face for the aviation community.
The upcoming NIGAV awards theme, “Foundation for Accelerated Aviation Growth” (FAAG), will recognize over 50 industry recipients, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who will receive the “Aviation Personality of the Year” award for his contributions to stability and focused development in the sector.
Other awards will include “Airline CEO of the Year,” “Aviation Agency CEO of the Year,” “Aviation Investor of the Year,” “Unsung Heroes,” “Lifetime Achievement Award,” and various accolades for airports, airlines, and service providers.
Mr. Idu emphasized the significance of the past year in reviewing projects and processes aimed at driving aviation growth, with the awards reflecting these positive actions.
In addition to the industry awards, the event will feature the crowning of a new “King and Queen of the Air,” with 14 shortlisted contestants from major airlines competing.
The winners will receive two million naira and undertake a year-long CSR initiative endorsed by the NCAA.
The event is expected to draw a large audience of aviation parastatal chiefs, stakeholders, and sponsors, with many confirming their participation.
