The director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Najomo has said 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.
Najomo stated this in his address at a one-day meeting of aviation stakeholders held yesterday in Lagos under the theme ‘Stakeholders’ engagement on transforming the aviation industry through strategic partnerships: Advancing airport sustainable development.’
He said the NCAA, in collaboration with key stakeholders, had remained steadfast in driving policies and developing reforms that enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and security and boost passenger confidence.
Najomo further said the NCAA had in the last one year undertaken numerous engagements that have yielded significant progress.
These, according to him are safety and regulatory oversight, infrastructural development, civil aviation master plan (CAMP) and consumer protection and market competitiveness, among others.
On safety and regulatory oversight, Najomo said the NCAA had in 12024 inaugurated the national executive safety committee (NESC) under his chairmanship for the effective implementation of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP), launched the NCAA Flight Data Centre and implemented new performance-based surveillance methodologies that align with global best practices.
On infrastructure, Najomo said: “Under our administration, we engaged with industry operators, while ensuring compliance with the International Civil Organisation (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.”
On CAMP, the director general said its design and preparation assisted by the International Civil Aviation Oragnisation (ICAO) had effectively taken off.
He said ICAO conducted the training adding that a team of Nigerian counterparts and a national focal point had been working with visiting ICAO experts since their visits to Kano, Lagos, Enugu, among others.
On consumer protection, the director general also stated that the NCAA had had continuous engagements with airlines and allied service operators, resulting in the resolution of high airfare concerns, reduced monopoly of routes, promoted growth of indigenous players on foreign routes such as the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London route.
“We have been able to broker truce between the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the ground handling companies on the knotty issue of ground handling charges,” Najomo added.
He also mentioned policy reforms and digital transformation, saying the NCAA worked closely with stakeholders to accelerate issuance of permits, licences and certification processes.
“Electronic Management Platform for Integrated Civil Aviation Oversight – Extended Application Package (EMPICE-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,” he added.
EMPICE-EAP refers to a comprehensive software system designed specifically for civil aviation authorities to manage all aspects of safety and security oversight, including personnel licensing, organization approvals, surveillance, and technical certifications, essentially acting as a complete ‘safety oversight management system.’
The director general also spoke on staff welfare and electronic regulatory development.
“Through extensive discussions with internal and external trade unions, we addressed longstanding concerns such as payment of backlog owed to staff, inter-directorate transfer issues, several years of staff stagnation promotion all leading to improved productivity and effectiveness of our civil aviation authority. It is our view that the CAA must have a well motivated workforce to deliver the desired regulatory services to the industry effectively.
“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.
“Recently, through collaboration with the 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,” he added.
