The acting director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Najomo said the regulatory body will ensure the full implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
Najomo made the commitment in his opening remarks at a one-day conference held at the weekend in Abuja under theme ‘Conference on convention on international interests in mobile equipment and the protocol on matters specific to aircraft equipment.’
He said the agreement and the Aircraft Protocol when executed would strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector and align it with best practice global standards.
Najomo said the CTC offers immense opportunities in enhancing aviation financing, safeguarding creditor rights, and fostering a more predictable and sustainable legal environment for the country’s industry.
“The theme of this conference underscores the importance of the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol as essential instruments for promoting growth, stability, and resilience in the aviation industry,” he said/
He commended the federal government for its steadfast commitment to the growth of the sector adding that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises economic development, innovation, and global competitiveness.
“The Cape Town Convention aligns seamlessly with this agenda, offering a pathway to modernising our aviation sector and ensuring its contribution to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“Nigeria’s aviation sector holds great potential for driving economic transformation, connecting communities, and promoting regional integration.
“The benefits of these efforts are already evident. Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Aviation Working Group’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index is a testament to our progress,” he added.
He outlined the key objectives of the CTC to include streamlining aircraft transactions and facilitating assets based financing, improving legal consistency and international registry and promoting industry standards.
“Let me reaffirm the NCAA’s commitment to implementing the Cape Town Convention to its fullest potential. To support the efforts, the NCAA issued an Advisory Circular dated 16th October, 2024 to provide information and guidance on the civil aviation regulatory requirements and procedures for recording and cancelation of de-registration of aircraft and exporting aircraft, including aircraft objects located in Nigeria, for purposes of any export remedies.”
“Together, we can build a resilient, competitive, and globally recognised aviation sector that reflects the aspirations of our great nation, Nigeria,” Najomo stated.
