How Najomo, Achimugu Synergy Driving Nigeria’s Aviation Growth
When two highly competent personnel bring their talents, discipline, and vision into alignment, the effect on an organisation can be transformative. Such synergy is what Nigeria’s aviation sector is witnessing with the emergence of the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu.
There are about eleven directorates in the NCAA, all equally important and playing different roles effectively.
Some of these directorates include Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Airworthiness Standards (DAWS), Air Transport Regulation (DATR), Aviation Security (DAS), Finance and Accounts (DFA), Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Corporate Services (DCS), Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (DPA/CP), Human Resources and Administration (DHR&A), Legal Services/Company Secretary (DLS/CS), and Special Duties (DSD).
Initially, there were fewer directorates, but some—such as Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Corporate Services, and Aviation Security—resulted from a reorganisation approved under the previous administration.
Under Najomo’s leadership, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, approved the establishment of the Directorate of Special Duties (DSD) and the Directorate of Corporate Services (DCS) for better focus and efficiency.
In addition, and in his wisdom, Najomo created a dedicated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) unit to oversee the emerging area of unmanned aircraft regulation. A Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit (PMCEU) was also set up to improve accountability in the management of NCAA projects.
A Quality Assurance Department was equally created to ensure stricter compliance with both technical and non-technical policies.
However, the Consumer Protection Directorate remains one of the most critical departments due to the volume of complaints associated with flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, refunds, and other service-related issues.
Before Achimugu came into the picture, consumer protection was at its lowest ebb. Complaints such as flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, poor communication during disruptions, and unannounced schedule changes were coming in droves with little or no attention.
There were also numerous baggage issues, including lost, delayed, damaged, or pilfered baggage, excessive baggage fees, and poor handling at baggage claim. Ticketing and booking problems, ranging from overbooking and denied boarding to high or unclear change fees, difficulty obtaining refunds, incorrect ticketing, and hidden charges, were rampant.
Today, all that has changed, as serious attention is now given to how customers are treated by airlines and other service providers within the aviation sector.
With a well-focused DG, the cooperation between him and the Director of Consumer Protection has become highly cordial. This understanding has yielded results, as their collaborative energy creates a multiplier effect: decisions become sharper, communication becomes seamless, and organisational goals are pursued with unified momentum.
This is precisely what is obtainable in the NCAA today, where the environment boosts staff morale and gives the organisation the stability and clarity needed to advance its mission.
Ultimately, the partnership between these two strong leaders does not just add value to the NCAA but amplifies it, placing the entire institution on a trajectory of sustained progress.
Since assuming office, Najomo has driven reforms focused on safety oversight, regulatory efficiency, consumer protection, and sector-wide modernisation. His leadership has positioned the NCAA as a more proactive, responsive, and reform-oriented regulator aligned with global aviation standards.
A significant amount of work has been done on safety, including the implementation of stricter monitoring of airlines and aviation service providers to ensure adherence to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NigCARs). Coordination with ICAO and other international bodies has improved ahead of safety audits. Najomo has also encouraged airlines to strengthen maintenance standards, crew training, and operational discipline.
In the area of consumer protection, Nigeria has never had it this good. A few days ago, the NCAA sanctioned Qatar Airways ₦5 million for consumer protection infractions. Between December last year and now, the Authority has initiated enforcement actions against several airlines, both local and international, for violations of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations.
Through the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA has carried out more assertive enforcement of passenger rights and supported transparent publication of regulatory actions, including fines and Letters of Investigation.
The Consumer Protection Directorate has also championed awareness campaigns to educate passengers on their rights and responsibilities. Achimugu’s “magic wand” lies partly in his effective use of social media, particularly X. His public statements on unruly passengers and the Authority’s readiness to sanction defaulting airlines have helped set behavioural and operational standards across the sector.
