The Coalition for Good Governance in Africa (CGGA) has commended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, over what it described as efforts to strengthen safety regulation and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In a statement issued on Friday by its president, Mohammed Kudu, the coalition said Najomo should not be held solely responsible for the broader challenges confronting the industry.
It said the challenges required the collective attention of regulators, airlines, airport operators, government agencies and other stakeholders across the aviation value chain.
According to the group, its assessment of Najomo’s tenure showed a focus on safety oversight, consumer protection, regulatory efficiency and efforts to create a more predictable environment for investment.
CGGA also highlighted Najomo’s more than four decades of experience in the aviation industry, including previous roles within the NCAA and the airline industry.
The coalition said the NCAA’s role in aircraft financing and investment was particularly important, citing Najomo’s efforts to reassure global financiers and aircraft lessors of Nigeria’s commitment to international regulatory frameworks.
It noted that at the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in April, Najomo identified capital, confidence and capacity as key pillars for the growth of the sector.
The group also said the NCAA’s commitment to enforcing the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) framework could help improve confidence among aircraft financiers and lessors.
Kudu said Najomo’s performance should be assessed within the broader responsibilities of the aviation sector rather than against every challenge experienced by passengers and operators.
“Our assessment of Capt. Chris Ona Najomo’s stewardship shows a regulatory leadership that is focused on strengthening the systems within its mandate.
“From safety oversight and consumer protection to regulatory predictability and efforts to attract investment into aircraft acquisition, there are clear indications of an administration working to improve the operating environment.
“It is therefore unfair to make the Director-General the sole explanation for challenges that involve several institutions and stakeholders across the aviation value chain,” the statement said.
The coalition also commended Najomo for what it described as increased engagement with industry stakeholders and international partners, saying collaboration was necessary to address some of the sector’s long-standing challenges.
It said the NCAA’s regulatory responsibilities were distinct from those of airlines, airport managers, air navigation service providers and other government institutions involved in aviation operations.
CGGA therefore urged stakeholders to avoid allowing disagreements to develop into prolonged confrontations that could undermine efforts to improve the sector.
“The aviation industry needs a collaborative approach at this stage. Stakeholders have every right to raise concerns and demand accountability, but such engagement should be constructive and directed towards solutions.
“We believe the reforms being pursued by the Federal Government and the regulatory steps under Capt. Najomo should be given the opportunity to translate into sustainable gains.
“The interest of the travelling public and the long-term development of Nigerian aviation must remain greater than individual or institutional disagreements,” Kudu said.
The coalition said efforts to create a more investment-friendly aviation environment would require consistency and cooperation among stakeholders.
It also pointed to the NCAA’s emphasis on regulatory standards and implementation of international aviation frameworks as steps that could support investor confidence and the growth of Nigerian airlines.
CGGA urged the NCAA to maintain its focus on passenger protection, safety regulation and enforcement, while calling on airlines and other operators to comply with established rules.
The group said sustainable improvement in the aviation sector would require cooperation among the regulator, government, operators, investors and passengers.
“We call on all stakeholders to sheath their swords and allow the positive steps being taken by the administration to cascade into meaningful gains for the country.
“Nigeria needs an aviation sector that is safe, efficient, competitive and capable of supporting economic growth. That objective will not be achieved through blame trading. It will be achieved through responsible regulation, compliance, investment and cooperation,” the statement said.