Ease of doing business takes centre stage under Najomo’s leadership

BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO

There is no doubt that the Civil Aviation Authority of any country is critical to the safety of its airspace, with its ability to maintain standards serving as the global benchmark for aviation safety.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) plays this pivotal role, setting, monitoring, and enforcing safety standards for both local and foreign airlines operating within its airspace.

Under the leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo, who assumed office as Acting Director General over a year ago, the NCAA has witnessed a remarkable transformation.

Confidence in the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace has been restored through a combination of strict monitoring of operators, agencies, and stakeholders, alongside strategic reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in the aviation sector.

Building Confidence and Reforming Operations

Before Capt. Najomo’s tenure, stakeholders in the aviation industry, including pilots, passengers, and NCAA staff, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of operations.

Today, however, the narrative has changed. Through careful steps and innovative strategies, Najomo has addressed critical issues, winning the confidence of industry stakeholders.

Among his accomplishments is the enforcement of compliance among airlines. “Anything that will ensure every airline complies, we will do,” Najomo emphasised. Recently, the NCAA sanctioned five airlines for failing to refund tickets promptly—a decisive action that underlines the agency’s commitment to protecting passengers and ensuring compliance.

Enhanced Consumer Protection

Najomo’s tenure has seen unprecedented advancements in consumer protection. The launch of the Consumer Protection Portal stands out as a landmark achievement, enabling real-time resolution of passenger complaints. This platform has improved data collation, complaint processing, airline performance monitoring, and transparency in operations.

The portal has also facilitated faster complaint resolutions and on-time airline performance, making the work of over 260 Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) more efficient. The initiative has garnered respect for CPOs from airline staff and passengers, further enhancing the NCAA’s reputation.

Staff Welfare and Capacity Development

Disenchanted NCAA staff have seen their morale boosted under Najomo’s leadership. The backlog of rent arrears dating back to 2019 has been cleared, while long-stagnated staff have received overdue promotions. Critical personnel now have access to essential work tools, and mandatory training programmes on safety and audit techniques have been revived to enhance capacity.

Milestones in Safety and Innovation

Capt. Najomo has championed safety improvements, including the inauguration of the Flight Data Centre for analysing incidents like bird strikes and runway overshoots. These analyses serve as references for mitigating future occurrences.

He also oversaw the creation of the Quality Assurance Department to ensure compliance with policies, as well as the establishment of a dedicated unit for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to drive the growth of this emerging aviation sector.

Furthermore, Najomo’s administration has streamlined the certification process, reducing the time required for certifications, aircraft registrations, and technical services. The list of certified heliports is now published and regularly updated on the NCAA website, ensuring transparency.

Improving Airfares and Passenger Experience

Addressing the issue of high airfares, Najomo engaged with foreign airlines to unblock lower inventory fares, making affordable options available to passengers. These efforts have bolstered passenger satisfaction and expanded travel opportunities, as evidenced by the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London operations.

Fostering Transparency and Collaboration

Najomo instituted an open-door policy, fostering regular engagement with unions and ensuring workforce stability. Payments of staff salaries are now made promptly, despite the financial challenges posed by statutory deductions.

His tenure has also seen the inauguration of the National Executive Safety Committee (NESC), a key requirement for Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP). This initiative sets performance targets and defines an Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP) for the country.

A Vision for the Future

Through these efforts, Capt. Najomo has demonstrated a clear focus on balancing regulatory enforcement with creating an enabling environment for aviation business growth. His reforms have enhanced safety, improved service delivery, and strengthened stakeholder confidence, positioning the NCAA as a model regulatory authority.

With such milestones achieved in just over a year, Najomo’s leadership continues to chart a transformative path for Nigeria’s aviation sector, ensuring progress without compromising standards.