The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has emphasized the need for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in procurement to drive optimal performance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at a symposium on procurement processes in line with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines and international best practices, he underscored the crucial role of due process in achieving national economic objectives.
With the theme: ‘Procurement Process for Optimum Organizational Performance’, Captain Najomo represented by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, linked procurement reforms to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic prosperity, infrastructural development, and good governance.
He also highlighted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which sets a roadmap for sectoral transformation, including optimizing revenue generation for the Federal Government.
According to him, achieving these goals requires procurement practices that eliminate waste, curb corruption, and ensure value for money, leading to improved service delivery and national revenue growth.
Procurement plays a decisive role in the aviation industry, impacting airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and operational efficiency.
Captain Najomo stressed that a well-structured procurement system attracts investment, enhances service delivery, and maximizes government revenue.
He called for a system that enforces strict compliance with due process, encourages fair competition, ensures cost-effective contracts, and strengthens public-private partnerships.
Beyond national regulations, the NCAA boss emphasized the importance of aligning procurement processes with global best practices set by international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Bank.
Key strategies include e-procurement and digitalization to minimize human interference, sustainable and green procurement to prioritize environmental considerations, risk-based planning to mitigate procurement risks, and stakeholder engagement to improve decision-making.
To fully support the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 5-Point Agenda, Captain Najomo called for enhanced capacity building, increased use of technology, and stronger inter-agency collaboration with the BPP, anti-corruption agencies, and development partners.
He also emphasized the need for strict monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure procurement integrity.
He reaffirmed NCAA’s commitment to fostering a procurement system that is transparent, efficient, and aligned with global best practices.
He urged all stakeholders in the aviation sector to work collectively towards a procurement framework that serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and national development.
