June 20, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has empowered youths from communities surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos with aviation knowledge and skills, as part of efforts to tackle talent shortages and regional disparities in the sector.
The two-day Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), held in Lagos, targeted 20 beneficiaries drawn from Mafoluku and Ejigbo communities in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area.
The initiative is part of the NCAA’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in the aviation industry.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday, NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Anastasia Gbem, described the programme as a significant step in preparing young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in the aviation sector—an industry critical to national economic growth, regional integration, and global connectivity.
Najomo said: “This programme is not a quick fix but a growing initiative designed to help young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into the aviation ecosystem.
“We want to nurture your potential and guide you toward meaningful participation in the industry.”
The AUDP, according to the DG, aligns with the National Youth Development Directive approved by the Federal Executive Council in February 2025, which mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt structured empowerment frameworks targeting Nigerian youths.
Participants in the programme were categorized into three groups: graduates of tertiary institutions; post-secondary but non-tertiary educated youths; and dropouts, out-of-school youths, and those at risk.
Najomo encouraged the participants to take ownership of their development journey, advising them to “know the sector, pick a skill area, develop digital competence, network, and stay informed.”
He emphasised that while the NCAA would not overpromise, it remained committed to providing useful guidance and opening pathways into aviation careers.
“We will walk this journey with you—step by step. Let the AUDP be your bridge from where you are to where you want to go,” he said.
The programme will be extended to other regions, including NCAA’s regional offices in Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja.
Also speaking at the event, NCAA Regional Manager, Mrs. Olubukola Teriba, said the initiative aligns with the Authority’s broader vision of building a globally competitive and inclusive aviation sector.
She noted that the AUDP also aims to address systemic challenges in the industry, including gender imbalance, regional disparities, and a growing talent gap.
Participants were urged to take advantage of free resources on the NCAA website as well as global platforms such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to further their learning.
Najomo concluded: “This initiative is not just about training; it is about transformation.
“To every young person here: aviation is open to you—but only if you are willing to learn, work, and lead.”
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.
