By Chinelo Obogo
The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has been conferred with the prestigious Lifetime and Leadership Achievement Awards (Strategic Leadership Category) at the 14th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards, held at the weekend in Lagos.
The awards recognised Captain Najomo’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s aviation industry, where he has served in multiple capacities across decades. Founder and Chairman of the NIGAV Awards, Mr. Fortune Idu, praised Najomo as a consummate professional whose early exposure and passion for aviation set the stage for a transformative career.
“These awards are fitting for Najomo. From a young age, under the tutelage of his father, he carved out his own career. His foresight and decades of experience have revitalised the NCAA’s global reputation, making it one of Nigeria’s iconic brands within just over a year of his outstanding leadership,” Idu stated.
Highlighting the regulator’s strides under Najomo’s leadership, Chairman of the NIGAV Awards Committee and former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, said:
“Captain Najomo’s confirmation as NCAA’s substantive Director General heralds a more stable regulatory body capable of ensuring aircraft airworthiness and safety. Under his leadership, the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate has intensified efforts to address passenger grievances, including high fares, delays, and cancellations, restoring confidence in Nigerian airlines.
The NCAA began reviewing critical procedures in 2024 to enhance technical and economic oversight, streamline licensing processes, and collaborate with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to revise the industry master plan which has rebuilt stakeholder confidence.”
Also lending his voice, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, lauded the DG’s work ethic and impact: “The DG deserves even greater recognition. He works tirelessly to ensure excellence, and his leadership has galvanised staff to achieve remarkable results.”
Similarly, Mrs. Bukola Teriba, Regional Manager of the NCAA Lagos Office, described the awards as “a testament to the revolution within the agency over the past 16 months.”
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