November 22, (THEWILL) – The Airline Operators of Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu to confirm Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, citing his transformative impact on the aviation sector since his appointment.
Speaking at the International Air Transport Conference, AON Vice President, Dr. Allen Onyema, and the group’s spokesman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, commended Najomo for his remarkable leadership, describing his tenure as a golden era for the country’s aviation industry.
The AON leaders highlighted the significant strides made under Najomo’s administration, noting that his efforts have elevated the NCAA to global standards.
They pointed to improved regulatory practices, enhanced safety measures, and the introduction of streamlined procedures that have benefited both airlines and passengers.
Onyema, who also heads Air Peace, praised Najomo as an industry veteran with unmatched experience in aviation.
“This is a man who has revolutionized the industry. Captain Najomo is one of Nigeria’s finest pilots, a proficient professional with extensive experience in airline management. His leadership has brought unprecedented ease of doing business to the sector,” Onyema said.
He further emphasised that the NCAA, under Najomo, has adopted policies that ensure safety without compromising efficiency. According to Onyema, aircraft inspections that previously took over a month can now be completed within three days.
Onyema also lauded Tinubu and Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for appointing competent leaders to critical positions in the aviation sector.
He credited Keyamo with addressing long-standing challenges, such as Nigeria’s unofficial blacklisting by aircraft lessors, which had hindered domestic airlines’ access to leasing opportunities.
“These appointments have brought about a positive revolution. For years, Nigeria was blacklisted by lessors due to past disputes, but that narrative has changed. The leadership of Najomo and Keyamo has restored respect for Nigeria in the global aviation community,” he said.
Okonkwo echoed similar sentiments, describing Najomo as a rare gem in the aviation industry.
“Captain Najomo’s combination of expertise as a pilot, airline manager, and regulator has transformed the NCAA into one of the best aviation agencies in the world. He has eliminated unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, enabling operators to achieve in days what used to take months,” Okonkwo said.
Sharing his personal experience, Okonkwo recounted how Najomo’s swift intervention expedited the approval process for his airline’s operations, enabling it to commence flights within days of aircraft inspections.
Both Onyema and Okonkwo expressed concerns about sustaining the gains achieved under Najomo’s leadership.
“My only worry is what happens when his tenure ends. We cannot afford to lose this momentum,” Okonkwo said.
The AON leaders called for further reforms in the aviation sector to position Nigeria as an aviation hub, emphasising the need for regulatory enhancements beyond the NCAA’s purview.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
