The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday commissioned its abandoned regional office at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The acting director general, civil aviation, Capt Chris Najomo, performed the commissioning.
NCAA said in a statement that the project was conceived in 2002 but “remained at carcass level” and took Najomo less than one year to complete and commission it.
Speaking at the event, Najomo said Port Harcourt “is strategic as a hub for energy, commerce and tourism which necessitated the establishment of the world-class infrastructure to support our aviation sector.”
He said the regional office will oversee operations at key airports and airstrips in the region including Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Asaba, Anambra, Imo, Calabar, and Warri.
Najomo also promised to deliver the Kano regional office in weeks as well as build a befitting regional office in Enugu.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders to continue to work with us in shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria. Together, we will soar higher and make our skies safer and more efficient for all users” he said.
In his remarks, the regional manager for the Port Harcourt regional office, Mr. Oladipo Titus said the project which started over 20 years seemed like it was never going to be achieved. “Different managements sat on it and left. As a regulatory body in the aviation industry, part of the things that will restore our staff confidence will be an office complex that is properly equipped with all necessary facilities.
Often times, our staff and colleagues have gone on inspection and they were taunted by the operators reminding us of how we needed to close certain open items, obviously referring to our office space,” he said.
He further said the office will improve staff morale greatly.
“The commissioning of the Port Harcourt regional office building is a significant milestone for the NCAA and highlights the leadership of Capt Najomo in ensuring the successful completion of this long-delayed project,” the statement added.
