The Nigerian aviation community has reason to celebrate as Capt. Chris Najomo has been confirmed as the substantive Director General/Chief Executive Officer (DGCA) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This development is a significant milestone for the industry, as Stakeholders highlighted the importance of this confirmation and lists areas to be prioritized.
As the new DGCA, Capt. Najomo has a crucial role to play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Secretary General of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), comrade Olayinka Abioye emphasized the need for the DGCA to prioritize the welfare of workers in the industry, citing the significant progress made in clearing outstanding stagnation and indebtedness of staff during his tenure as Acting DG.
To build on this momentum, he said, Captain Najomo should focus on the following key areas:
Stakeholder Engagement: The DGCA should convene a stakeholders’ meeting with airline operators, air traffic service providers, airport service providers, and other agencies to articulate strategies for working together.
This will help address critical issues on the ground and in the air, ensuring the industry’s progress and growth.
Synergizing with Agencies: The NCAA must find ways to manage and synergize with other agencies, including the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, which is being decentralized. This will enable the NCAA to effectively supervise and regulate the industry.
Social Engagement: The DGCA should engage with all sectors of the industry under one umbrella, fostering social dialogue and collaboration. This will help identify errors of the past and provide immediate, doable solutions to address them.
Sanctioning Delays: The DGCA must act as the “policeman” of the industry, sanctioning any airline delays or irregularities. This is crucial, given the reliance on aviation as a vital alternative to Nigeria’s congested roads.
Productivity and Efficiency: The NCAA should focus on raising the bar for productivity, efficiency, and service delivery, dispelling the notion that workers in the industry are incompetent or unwilling to work.
On the hand, as he assumes his new role, Secretary General, Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiatives ASRTI, Mr. Olu Ohunayo advised Capt. Najomo to take a step back, reflect on the past year, and prioritize key areas that require attention. Specifically, he should focus on the following:
Safety and Surveillance: The NCAA’s safety and surveillance over certified entities was a major area of concern during the ICAO audit. Najomo must work to strengthen this department to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Certificate and License Records: The accuracy and transparency of records issued by the NCAA are crucial. Najomo should prioritize the rectification of any errors or discrepancies in these records.
Implementation of Safety Resolutions: The NCAA’s ability to implement safety resolutions and work with the legal team to enforce sanctions is essential. Najomo must ensure that these processes are streamlined and effective.
By addressing these critical areas, he believes capt. Najomo can lay the foundation for a more efficient and effective NCAA.
“Once these priorities are addressed, he can begin to focus on other areas within the industry that require attention”.
Comrade John, Chairman, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Branch, described the appointment as “putting the right peg in the right hole,” citing Najomo’s background as a “core aviator” and expressing confidence in his understanding of the industry’s challenges.
In his inaugural days, he said, Capt. Najomo should prioritize the following key tasks to ensure the safety and financial stability of the airline industry.
Firstly, he should conduct a comprehensive safety and financial audit of the airline to identify areas of concern and potential risks.
As this exercise will enable him to develop a clear understanding of the industry’s strengths and weaknesses, and inform his decision-making process.
Secondly, Captain Najomo should establish a dedicated safety team within the NCAA, reporting directly to him.
This team should be responsible for providing him with real-time information on aircraft airworthiness, maintenance records, and other critical safety-related data to enable him to stay on top of safety issues and take prompt corrective action.
He stated that, prioritizing safety should be Capt. Najomo’s topmost concern, adding that, recent spate of near-miss incidents in the aviation sector is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
As the substantive DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo has a unique opportunity to shape the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With his experience and leadership skills, he is well-positioned to address the challenges facing the industry and drive growth and development.
