The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has worked closely with stakeholders to accelerate issuance of permits, licences and certification processes.

Director General of the Authority,Capt.Chris Najomo stated this while speaking at the stakeholders’    engagement on Transforming the Industry Through Strategic Partnership:Advancing Airport Sustainable Development in Lagos.

He said EMPIC-EAP is being deployed as the regulatory software and training for super-users was accomplished in April, 2024.These reforms are aimed at enshrining the ease-of-doing-business concept, without compromising standards.

Najomo told the gathering that the  Nigerian aviation industry stands at a pivotal juncture where strategic partnerships between the regulatory body, industry operators, trade unions, and investors are critical for achieving sustainable development.

He further stated that engagements with portal developers, platform operators and private sector experts have led to the creation of electronic regulatory tools such as the CPD and DATR portals, which help fast-track processes and ensure monitoring and transparency is upheld at the highest standards.

Just recently,he noted, through Collaboration with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), “we are upgrading some sunrise/sunset airports to operate up till 10pm. This is to promote smooth passenger transport and reduce delays and cancellations.”

Capt. Najomo explained that the engagements “are our deliberate efforts to align seamlessly with the Honourable Minister’s 5-Point Agenda and ultimately, Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasize infrastructural development, economic revitalization, and a competitive aviation sector.”

Through joint efforts, According to him,the Honourable Minister, in 2024, inaugurated the National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) under the chairmanship of the DGCA, for the effective implementation of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP). We,further, launched the NCAA Flight Data Centre, and implemented new performance-based surveillance methodologies that align with global best practices.

The NCAA, in collaboration with key stakeholders,he continued has remained steadfast in driving policies and developing reforms that enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and security, and boost passenger confidence.

“Under our administration,we engaged with industry operators, while ensuring compliance with the ICAO Audit recommendations.This has led to the commissioning of the Port Harcourt and Kano Regional Office buildings which were long abandoned for many years.This means we are visible at the various regional centres in the country and discharge our duties seamlessly.”

engagements that have yielded significant progress towards achieving:

On staff welfare,he noted that through extensive discussions with internal and external trade unions, “we have addressed longstanding concerns such as payment of backlogs owed to staff, inter-directorate transfer issues, several years of staff stagnation promotion all leading to improved productivity and effectiveness of our CAA. “

“It is our view that the CAA must have a well motivated workforce to deliver the desired regulatory services to the industry effectively.”

On Civil Aviation Master Plan,(CAMP)”The design and preparation of the CAMP, assisted by ICAO, has effectively taken off! ICAO conducted the training and several meetings have taken place with Nigeria’s counterparts.”

“ We appointed a team of counterparts and a national focal point who have been working with visiting ICAO experts. They have swung into action, since visiting Kano, Lagos, Enugu, etc.”

As we deliberate on advancing airport sustainability and strengthening our partnerships, I urge all stakeholders to continue in this collaborative spirit. Our industry thrives on synergy, and through our collective efforts, we will establish a resilient, world-class aviation sector that serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth.

“I wish to most humbly extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency,Mr President, also to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the distinguished and Honourable members of our National Assembly, erudite industry partners, seasoned aviation professionals and our esteemed trade unions, for your unwavering commitment towards ensuring that this administration achievements and engagements keep soaring higher; through my recent confirmation. “