April 13, (THEWILL) – Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, was the toast of the nation’s aviation community on Friday night as he clinched two prestigious honours — the Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Aviation Leadership Achievement Award (Strategic Leadership Category) — at the 14th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards and Ministerial Dinner held at the NIGAV Centre, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The NIGAV Awards organisers lauded Najomo’s decades-long dedication to Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that his current role as the helmsman of the regulatory authority was a culmination of a lifetime spent shaping and safeguarding the nation’s airspace.
Founder and Chairman of the NIGAV Awards, Mr. Fortune Idu, described the NCAA DG as a thoroughbred aviation professional whose commitment to the sector was nurtured from a young age under the influence of his aviator father.
Idu said, “Captain Najomo’s rise is not by accident.
“From his early days, he charted a course in aviation, and today, he is steering the NCAA towards international acclaim. Within a year of assuming leadership, the agency has witnessed a remarkable turnaround, earning it recognition as one of Nigeria’s iconic brands on the global aviation map.”
Former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Chairman of the NIGAV Award Committee, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, echoed similar sentiments. He stated that Najomo’s confirmation as substantive DG has brought needed stability to the NCAA, enabling the agency to more effectively guarantee aircraft airworthiness and safety.
“The NCAA, under Captain Najomo, has empowered its Consumer Protection Directorate to tackle pressing issues affecting travellers, such as high ticket fares, flight delays, and cancellations,” Aisuebeogun remarked. “These efforts are pivotal in rebuilding passengers’ trust in Nigerian airlines.”
He further highlighted reforms under Najomo’s leadership, including a comprehensive review of regulatory procedures to enhance technical and economic oversight and a partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to revamp the industry’s master plan.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, paid glowing tribute to Najomo’s work ethic and leadership style, describing him as a tireless professional committed to delivering results.
“My DG works round the clock to ensure we meet our targets. His ability to lead and manage people is one of the reasons we’ve recorded such significant progress,” Achimugu stated.
In her remarks, NCAA Lagos Regional Manager, Mrs. Bukola Aduragbemi Teriba, said the dual honours were a reflection of the transformation witnessed in the regulatory agency over the past 16 months.
“The results are visible to all — the revolution in how we operate, the elevation in regulatory standards, and the new way of doing business at the NCAA. These awards are not just for Captain Najomo but also serve as encouragement for staff to continue striving for excellence,” she said.
The event, which drew top stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector, further cemented Captain Najomo’s legacy as a reformist and visionary leader charting a new course for aviation regulation in the country.
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.
