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  • NCAA recertifies Lagos, Abuja international airports

    NCAA recertifies Lagos, Abuja international airports

    …Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu to be certified next year

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has renewed the aerodrome certificates for Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    The aerodrome certificate for both airports expired four years ago.

    The acting director-general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, during the presentation of the certificate to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Abuja on Friday, highlighted the need for the renewal of the certificate.

    He said: “In March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations. This Standard became applicable on 27th November 2003. Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.

    “The three-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the NCAA regulations in force then. At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six-month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.

    “The extension was granted on the condition that FAAN would resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period and there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.

    “Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations. The renewal of the aerodrome certificates marks an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security”.

    Najomo, however, noted that the presentation of the certificates was not an indication that both airports were 100 percent compliant with safety standards.

    Read Also: NCAA warns airlines against sharp practice

    He said: “It is a testament to their compliance with the minimum certification and operating requirements based on risk assessment and presentation of an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for continuous implementation by the aerodrome operator.”

    Capt. Najomo while commending the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku for the feats recorded, called for continuous maintenance standards that prioritise the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff, and the public.

    “I do not doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will further ensure that subsequent certificate renewal processes are seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease of doing business without compromising standards.

    “On our part as NCAA, we remain irrevocably committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices.”

    He also hinted that plans are ongoing to certify the remaining airports in line with the regulations and international protocols.

    The MD of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku said the recertification process is targeted at ensuring that Nigerian airports meet the highest international standards.

    She said the Agency would work to ensure that Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu international airports are certified next year.

    “This accomplishment is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all. The recertification process is not just merely a formality. It’s anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO.

    “The ICAO annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation which involve a rigorous assessment of our facilities, including the runway conditions, airfield lighting, and to ensure the compliance with global standards.”

    Kuku, while noting that there is still work to be done, assured that the agency will ensure that the airports not only meet but exceed the expectations of passengers and stakeholders.

    The Acting General Manager of Aerodromes in NCAA, Bayode Boluwaji also said the certificate would increase Nigeria’s rating.

    He said: “Our rating will naturally go up because of the recertification because, on our OLF (Online Framework) where we report back to ICAO what we do, they will notice that we have issued certificates in compliance with their regulations to Lagos and Abuja international airports.”

  • NCAA warns airlines against sharp practice

    NCAA warns airlines against sharp practice

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said yesterday that it has concluded plans to sanction airlines which engage in sharp practices by selling tickets to passengers when they have not met the conditions required for their aircraft to be airborne.

    Such practice, the NCAA said, con stitutes a breach of its regulations saying it will take any and every step to whip such operators in line.

    Its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Micheal Achimugu disclosed this yesterday while engaging industry players at the NCAA National Stakeholders Summit in Lagos.

    Speaking on the theme : “  Achieving Increased Adoption of Digital Technology in Air Travel Customer Complaint Management: The Regulatory Perspective”, Achimugu said the authority is getting increasingly worried over infractions committed by carriers to many passengers , who should begin to acknowledge their rights.

    He said the summit was convened to expand the conversations on how to improve the air travel experience with the respective agencies playing their roles to protect the rights of passengers.

    Describing the summit as an input gathering platform, Achimugu the NCAA embarked on a roadshow to create awareness on what is expected of service providers in the air travel value chain.

    Achimugu said : “ Yet, daily passengers allege that we protect the airlines more than we care about passenger rights.

     What a situation to be in.

    This is why, today, everybody will answer their name. We will probe each other, we will investigate, we will be brutally honest, and we will collaborate to fix the problems.

    “Over the years, the problem with meetings like this one has been the lack of follow-through. There’s been a lot of talk but no action. Under the leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo, today’s NCAA does not intend to become a mere statistic in the dustbin of history.

    Read Also: NCAA plans workshop on consumer protection

    “We aim to, together with you all, splash colours on the canvass of history, and the best time to begin is today, if we have missed opportunities in the past.

    “As we begin to deliberate, bear in mind that we must approach these discussions from a place of honesty and patriotism. Let us not talk for the sake of speaking, but with a sense of pride that, upon our shoulders rests the present and future of an industry so important, President Bola Tinubu has centered his economic plans on it. I guess the question becomes, when the story of Nigerian aviation is told tomorrow, where would you want your name to be? How would you want to be remembered?”

    He said the NCAA will not spare any violator as it braces up to fix sore points in the industry .

    Achimugu said : “ The task before us is huge. We will step on toes to get the right thing done. We will make decisions and adjustments that will not compromise safety and security, but will uplift the travel experience of the people for whose sake the industry exists; the passengers.

    “I also invite all passengers to remember that airlines are in business and must make certain decisions based on the same principles that passengers also apply to their personal businesses as well. We must, therefore, strike a balance in the best interest of all parties. So, as you insist on having your rights protected, also do well to remember to honour your responsibilities as clearly stated in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”

    On his part, Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air , Mr George Uriesi airlines will continue to collaborate with NCAA to improve the travel experience.

    He said lack of proper communication in the processing of booking information often triggers attacks on airline facilities by irate passengers who are trapped in the conundrum of delayed / canceled flights.

    On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Director General of NCAA and Head , Flight Operations Adjudication, Mrs Ifueko Abdumalik said the regulator has scaled its acts to address rising consumer complaints  bordering on flight delays/ cancellation, poor services by airlines and other challenges.

    Mrs Abdumalik said the NCAA will continue to push for a robust regulatory framework to align with global standards.

    She spoke of interventions by the NCAA in handling complaints from persons with reduced mobility and the need for both passengers and airlines to document their matter for regulatory resolution.

    Other speakers  at the event, including representatives of travel agents, called on the NCAA to step up support in recovering trapped funds for some domestic carriers that have ceased operations.

    They called on the NCAA to intervene in facilitating quicker resolution of ticket refunds and other infractions.

    In his presentation, Lawyer / Thought Leader, First Baba Isa noted that a recurring decimal the industry has to tackle head on is how to protect the interest of passengers , from airlines , which continue to hold on to their obligation.

    He accused airlines of consistently apologising without resolving the litany of challenges thrown at them.

  • NCAA trains aviation security staff on MANPADS

    NCAA trains aviation security staff on MANPADS

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has trained its aviation security staff and representatives of relevant security agencies working at the airport on Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS).

    The security personnel underwent two weeks of training at the NCAA corporate headquarters in Abuja.

    The Authority explained that the training was imperative as MANPADS are lightweight anti-aircraft weapons that were increasingly becoming dangerous to aviation globally.

    The Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo said participants have acquired some level of competence to deal with MANPADS which is a threat to military and civil aviation.

    He said by implementing mitigating measures, Nigeria will prevent catastrophic effects on the national economy and the global economy.

    Read Also: NCAA plans workshop on consumer protection

    Capt. Najomo said having a mixed class of various organizations was deliberate to foster interagency collaboration and cooperation to achieve a common goal.

    “We must work together if we are going to ensure a secure aviation sector”.

    The Director of Aviation Security, NCAA, Dr. Omogo Bernard Onwe Chinedu, commended Capt. Najomo for identifying the gaps in aviation security and working to close them to enhance aviation security and safety in Nigeria.

    The course titled: ‘Reducing Vulnerabilities to MANPADS and Stand-off Weapons’ was facilitated by the French Civil Aviation Authority.

  • NCAA plans workshop on consumer protection

    NCAA plans workshop on consumer protection

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has concluded plans to deepen its engagement in resolving complaints lodged by passengers.

    To drive this, the NCAA is organizing a one- day workshop on  November 19, 2024 , at its  Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to address consumer protection and its  management  focusing on how to serve air travelers better and improve the relationship between passengers and airlines.

    The workshop, a statement from the authority said is pursuant to the renewed commitment of its  executive management  under the leadership of Capt. Chris Ona Najomo towards birthing a new order in  civil aviation  regulation and the  air transportation industry.

    The theme of the workshop, according to the statement is: “ Achieving Increased Adoption of Digital Technology in Air Travel Customer Complain Management: The Regulatory Perspective.”

    Read Also: Netizens blast Betty Akeredolu for referring to Nigeria as zoo

    The purpose of the workshop , the statement added is to create stronger interface between airline operators, aviation agencies and air travelers to enhance improved and effective communication  between airlines and travelers.

    The statement added : “ This is part of the series of stakeholder engagement and public awareness programme aimed at setting the roadmap for achieving a more efficient civil aviation and air transportation system in the country, through an inclusive dialogue by critical stakeholder and major actors in the Nigerian civil aviation air transportation value chain.”

    Seasoned aviators billed to speak at the workshop, include :  the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the popular Ibom Air,  George Uresi; Thought Leader, Lawyer and Scholar, First Baba Isa and Senior Special Assistant to the DG, Ifueko Abdulmalik.

    Other speakers include : George Uriesi , a former   Managing Director , FAAN. former General Manager: Cape Town International Airport,  Airports Company of South Africa and a certified Business Coach.

    Panelists at the conference will  include :  the Director of Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Francis Ekeng, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr Yinka Folami, George Uriei, Ifueko Abdulmalik and Arise News Anchor, Compere, Moderator and Public Speaker, Ayo Mairo-Ese.

    The resource persons will speak on Public Awareness/ Travelers Enlightenment  and the Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry for Operational Efficiency, Service Excellence and Economic Viability: A Renewed and Inclusive Regulatory Dialogue”

  • NCAA dismisses reports about aircraft’s airworthiness

    NCAA dismisses reports about aircraft’s airworthiness

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has debunked reports concerning the airworthiness of the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt last Friday.

    The NCAA said the reports, as published by an online outlet, were wrong and the helicopter that suffered a crash had never been scrapped.

    Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, in a statement, said: “The attention of the Authority has been brought to a report by the Sahara reporters on the airworthiness status of the recently crashed helicopter with registration marks 5N-BQG prior to the crash.

    “In their report, it was stated that the aircraft was initially registered in the year 2004 as 5N-BGN with Aero Contractors, after which it was deregistered to Canada in the year 2009. The report then went on to state that the aircraft registration was cancelled in September 2018 after it was ‘presumably scrapped’.

    “Their report was concluded with a question of how the helicopter was moved to Nigeria and registered as 5N-BQG before the crash.

    “Based on our records, the following items are stated here to correct the wrong information published by the Sahara reporters on the subject matter:

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

    “It is important to state that aircraft can be tracked not only by their registration marks but also by their Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN). The 5N-BQG S76C+ helicopter has its MSN as 760486, while the 5N-BGN S76C+ helicopter has its MSN as 760468.

    “The S76C+ helicopter with registration marks 5N-BGN and MSN:760468 was initially registered at the age of 7 years on July 15, 2004, with Aero Contractors as the operator and Capital Aviation Services B.V. as the registered owner. The registration was re-issued on December 13, 2006, when the ownership of the helicopter changed to RBS Aerospace Limited. The S76C+ helicopter with registration marks 5N-BGN and MSN:760468 was de-registered by Aero Contractors on February 18, 2009, to Transport Canada.

    “The S76C+ helicopter with registration marks 5N-BQG and MSN:760486 was initially registered at the age of 14 years on the 10th DEC.2012 with Nestoil Plc as the registered operator and owner. The registration was re-issued on July 13, 2021, as a result of a change of operator to OMNI-BLU Aviation LTD. and an ownership change to DANBA Associates LIMITED. A further amendment of the registration was done on May 30, 2022, when the ownership changed to EASTWIND AVIATION LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED while maintaining OMNI-BLU as the operator.

    “The final amendment to the registration was on February 27, 2024, when the operator of the S76C+ helicopter with registration marks 5N-BQG and MSN: 760486 was changed to EASTWIND AVIATION LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED. By this action, EASTWIND AVIATION LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED became the registered operator and owner of the helicopter.

    “Based on the following data from our records, it is clear that Sahara Reporters could not clearly differentiate the records of the recently crashed EASTWIND AVIATION LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED S76C+ Helicopter with registration mark 5N-BQG and MSN: 760486 and the AERO CONTRACTORS DE-REGISTERED S76C+ Helicopter with registration marks 5N-BGN and MSN: 760468.”

  • NCAA engages Dana Air to refund passengers

    NCAA engages Dana Air to refund passengers

    Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said yesterday that plans are ongoing to resolve and refund passengers owed by Dana Airline.

    The Authority said it is currently engaging with Dana Airline management and NG Eagle to resolve issues of refund and compensation for Dana Air ticket holders, assuring that the refund would be resolved before the end of the year.

    The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday at a press conference on September 2024 passenger complaint resolution data.

    Speaking on efforts made to resolve Dana Air issues, he said: “There have been so many complaints and calls for compensation from Dana Air. Dana Air was suspended because financially, it was not healthy to continue to operate safely.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Osimhen misses out as Lookman, Ekong make CAF player of the year shortlist

    “An organisation which is on suspension for financial reasons may not immediately have cash to refund to passengers, but the NCAA is engaging the Dana airline management and NG Eagle management because NG Eagle is taking over the assets of Dana, and we are looking at a solution where NG Eagle takes over the liabilities as well.

    “So, the suggestion has been that NG Eagle flies Dana ticket holders, but we acknowledge the fact that a passenger has a right to demand a cash refund and choose not to fly. That option is on the table but we are going to take a little while longer as we are seeking the best way to resolve the issue.

    “We call for patience as we are leaving no stone unturned to resolve the issue. So, the issues of refund of Dana Air will be resolved before the end of this year”. He, however, noted that Dana Air remains suspended.

    On the complaints resolved by the Authority last month, Achimugu said: “For September, for the first 100 cases reported, we have resolved 75 of those cases in less than 10 days. Since we assumed office in December till date, we have resolved over 65 per cent of cases reported to us monthly.”

    The authority also called on passengers to be conversant with the Civil Aviation rules, especially the responsibilities and rights of passengers.

    It, however, warned passengers to avoid lying while applying for compensation for missing luggage as there are penalties.

    “We are warning passengers to desist from falsifying the content of their missing luggage. Sometimes, passengers think their luggage will not be found, and in the process, they lie about the content of their luggage. If the authority finds out that they are lying, they could be fined”.

    On the rights of passengers, he said: “When baggage is delayed, passengers are entitled to first needs payment of N10,000 for domestic flights and $170 for international flights while the baggage is being searched for”.

  • Why flights are disrupted, cancelled – NCAA

    Why flights are disrupted, cancelled – NCAA

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has attributed disruption and cancellation of flights to lack of capacity by airlines.

    The Authority, while stating that inadequate aircraft for flight operations has been the major cause of disruption, however, noted that the recently signed Practice Direction (Cape Town Convention) and Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) would enable airlines to access more aircraft and boost the growth in the sector.

    The Authority expressed optimism that access to the aircraft would put an end to flight disruptions and reduce the cost of airfares to boost the country’s economy.

    These were disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu at the Civil Aviation Conference with the theme: ‘Building Viable Aviation Industry for National Economic Growth and Development’.

    He said: “We have capacity problem in Nigeria. We simply do not have enough aircraft to ferry people around the country. The Minister and the DGCA have stated this before and we will not help ourselves by hiding the truth.

    “We have capacity problems but there are also solutions and the most important of the solutions is the signing of the Practice direction; Cape Town Convention as well as the signing of the revised advisory circular on Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA).

    “Now, more planes can come into the country and if we have adequate number of planes, there would be automatic reduction in flight disruptions because lack of capacity is one of the major reasons why there are flight disruptions. 

    ”When there is disruption in flight schedule, it affects the remaining schedule for the day because the airline does not have alternative aircraft to ferry people, hence they would have to waste passengers time and everything would suffer. If they have enough aircraft in their fleet, these issues will no longer arise.”

    He also noted that the NCAA and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were calibrating some airports to address issues of flight disruptions and delays.

    Read Also: NCAA asks Lagos to submit document for Lekki Airport

    “Also, there are some airports that need calibration. We have engaged NAMA and they said the calibration aircraft is in Germany for maintenance. It is due back to the country in one week and once that comes, flight to certain airports like Asaba and others would become easier. Not every disruption is the fault of the airline, we on our part have lots of work to do also.

    He added that increment in fleet of the airlines would also lead to reduction in airfares.

    “There have also been issues of multiple taxes and the relevant authorities and departments are looking into those issues to see areas where they can give airlines soft landing. By the time we have sorted out the number of planes in the country, Jet fuel and taxes, there would be a drop in the cost of airfares.”

  • Najomo’s 10-year transformative leadership at NCAA

    Najomo’s 10-year transformative leadership at NCAA

    In a move to elevate the standards of Nigeria’s aviation sector, President Bola Tinubu in December 2023, approved the appointment of Captain Chris Najomo as the Ag, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The change in leadership, according to the federal government, was to enhance regulatory oversight, the well-being of passengers and stakeholders in the Nigeria aviation industry. In January, 2024, at the induction of the newly appointed chief Executive officers and directors of the six parastatals under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo, made the various CEOs under the supervision of the ministry sign a performance bond. After the CEOs signed the bond, the minister charged them to conduct themselves properly. His words to them were: “This is a call to service and a call to service goes more than pecuniary gains. It is an invitation to serve the nation and to show the world what you can do in public service and how much you can improve things from where they were when you were called to serve. The minister who likened the ministry to football players and coaches said: “In football, when a team is not doing well, it is the coach that gets fired and i used to wonder why it is the coach because it is clear that it is the footballer that is nit doing well but the coach gets fired. “I have come to realize that it is the responsibility of the coach to pick his team. So, they don’t attack the coach but the team. So, the changes made in the aviation sector are aimed at making sure the players play according to the vision and the plan of the coach. It is not  as if the people that you are replacing were bad, they are Nigerians too, but it is about the coach picking his team to actualize his vision and for the players to play to actualize the vision of the coach, and that is what you must realize. The uniqueness of the aviation ministry is that, unlike other ministries, most of the work of the aviation ministry is in the agencies and not the ministry. Work in terms of regulation and revenue. So, you must understand that most of the work is in your hands, and it will require you to work assiduously to ensure that there is a breath of fresh air entirely in the aviation ministry.”

    These words propelled Capt. Najomo and he commenced work immediately. One of his first tasks was to foster collaboration among stakeholders. Thereafter and in  recognition of the increase in the use of drones which has expanded beyond military operations to commercial, scientific, recreational, and agricultural purposes such as policing, peacekeeping, surveillance, cargo delivery, aerial photography and agriculture, Capt. Najomo set the stage for a dedicated unit for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)  popularly known as drones. To effectively integrate the UAS into the National Airspace, Najomo approved the creation of a dedicated UAS Integration Unit in the NCAA to act as a hub for the registration, licensing, and monitoring of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The authority said it had observed that drones  are used in smuggling, filmmaking, oil and gas exploration and drone racing, hence the need to monitor their use. With the new unit in place, the NCAA has received over 300 applications from operators for certification by the NCAA.

    The ombudsman of aviation in Nigeria has also made significant achievements in promoting aviation safety, security, and passenger satisfaction .

    Capt Najomo’s ease of doing business mantra has ensured a Reduction of the total time for certifications, aircraft registrations and provision of technical services.

    Passenger rights and consumer protection have been some of the core issues the present administration in NCAA is taking seriously. Passengers are one of the major stakeholders in the aviation industry.  Since assumption of office, there has been upward and swift resolution of customer issues. The NCAA has concentrated on ensuring improved and quality services in the industry. Capt. Najomo is aiming at ensuring that Nigeria travelers received quality service comparable to international standards. He has established clear guidelines and driven compliance for passenger rights, including compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. The Authority’s Consumer Protection Regulations ensure that passengers are treated fairly and with dignity, and assist persons with reduced mobility and families of aircraft accidents.

    Read Also: NCAA gets deadline for DANA Air passengers’ ticket refund

    Airlines have also been made to be upright in their dealings. Before now, some airlines had displayed cunning departure times on their websites just to boost patronage. Airlines use deceitful time to attract passengers only to keep them waiting for hours and sometimes cancelling flights. To curb this trend, the NCAA continues to engage airlines in line with the NCAA regulations, which states that no airline shall display deceitful departure time at its counter, advert material or website. A few of the cases recently resolved are the recent complaint by a Nigerian traveller who alleged poor treatment by Turkish Airlines, another on baggage issues with Egypt Air. The Authority also, engaged Royal Air Maroc following claims that some Nigerians were ill-treated when the Abuja-bound aircraft from Casablanca had technical issues, which resulted in an emergency landing in Marrakesh. The Authority weighed in and the issues were resolved promptly.

    For effective service delivery and public awareness, the Consumer Protection department was rebranded. The department now has new uniforms for easy identification and visibility at the various airports. In addition to the rebranding of the department, a portal and QR Code were recently launched for ease of complaint resolution.

    To address complaints of unaffordable airfares, the NCAA engaged with foreign airlines in February 2024. Capt. Najomo inaugurated a committee comprising officials from the NCAA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agency (NANTA) in March 2024. These engagements and other actions by the federal government promptly resulted in foreign airlines unblocking their lower inventory fares and making cheaper fares available.

    Based on the Minister’s and Ag. DGCA’s trip to the United Kingdom and sustained by the commitment of President Tinubu, Air Peace was able to commence the Lagos-London flight operations.

    For certification of licenses, a complete re-evaluation of all holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) ordered by the Ag. DGCA is currently ongoing to ensure holders adhere to the terms and conditions of their permits. The Authority has also instituted a simplified certification process as a derivative of the ease-of-doing business policy of the Najomo administration. Ease of doing business without compromising safety is Najomo’s maxim and he has exhibited it in so many ways.

    As the gatekeeper of the sector, barely a week ago, Nigeria secured more points in the global rating of countries in aircraft leasing. Nigeria moved from 70.5 points to 75.5 per cent after it signed the revised Advisory circular on the Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA). With the latest move, a global consortium of aircraft leasing, the Aviation Working Group (AWG), removed Nigeria from its watch list. Removal of Nigeria from the watch list would enable Nigerian airlines to access aircraft on a dry lease basis, and global financial companies would also be able to partner with Nigerian airlines for aircraft leasing.

    Overall, the NCAA under the leadership of Capt. Najomo has played a vital role in promoting a safe, secure, and passenger-centric aviation industry in Nigeria.

    For any public and private organization to thrive, the importance of the welfare of staff is paramount. To this end, the NCAA, under the leadership of Najomo, paid the backlog of Housing (Rent) arrears to all Staff that had accumulated from 2019 and commenced payment of the backlog of relocation allowance to staff owed.

    The authority is also tackling staff stagnation issues following the acceptance and approval of the recommendation of the Ag. DG by the minister, for inter-directorate deployment to open up bottlenecks in the structure and subsequently the promotion of stagnated staff from GL.14 to GL.15 has been effected. He has also sustained payment of staff monthly salary by the 22nd of every month despite the effects of the Authority’s reduced financial resources arising from the 50 per cent statutory deduction ensuring that the Authority’s internal stakeholders are satisfied and can also, focus on their regulatory job happily and without compromising.

  • NCAA gets deadline for DANA Air passengers’ ticket refund

    NCAA gets deadline for DANA Air passengers’ ticket refund

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo yesterday ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to make a public declaration on when and how it will resolve refunds of tickets purchased by passengers on one of the domestic flights recently suspended from flying.

    Keyamo, who insisted NCAA should bring closure to the matter as soon as possible, said the action had become compelling because of the litany of complaints he continues to receive from affected passengers on the vexed issue.

    Such a move by the NCAA, Keyamo said, would project the regulator in the public eye as an agency committed to driving the protection of consumer rights in the fast evolving air transport eco – system.

    Speaking in an interview after unveiling the Consumer Protection Portal of the NCAA, at its Annex Headquarters in Lagos, Keyamo said the platform will assist the regulator to resolve in real time the avalanche of complaints lodged by passengers over infractions on their travel schedules by both local and foreign carriers.

    While noting that the essence of the aviation industry is to improve passengers’ experience through enhanced services, said many passengers hitherto acted wildly at airports because of no platform, where they could ventilate their frustrations.

    But, with the digital complaints / resolution platform, the NCAA has notched further by providing a system that will offer solutions.

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    Keyamo said: “ We are all together in this, as a frequent flyer, I have seen the rage of passengers at the airports, who suffer service infractions from airlines on account of trying to organise a flight. The source of passengers’ anger had been absence of platform to express their anger. This has forced them to pulling down airline counters and doing damage to other airport facilities.

     “But with this digital platform, the travel experience will improve. Significantly, this platform form will put the NCAA under intense pressure to deliver. Over the last many weeks I have received complaints about one of the local carriers suspended from flying over safety concerns, whose ticket refunds are yet to be carried out.

    “I am hereby directing the NCAA to make public by issuing a statement on how the ticket refunds will be carried out.”

    Keyamo also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to effect concession of airports, with a caveat that aviation workers will not be sacked as a result of the exercise.

    He said he has embarked on a tour of many countries to understudy how exercises were carried out there, with a view to replicating it in Nigeria.

    He spoke of plans to put in place policies to support indigenous carriers to enable them secure aircraft leases from global vendors.

    The recent shuttles, he said has gained Nigeria some mileage in approval ratings by major aircraft lessors, after Nigeria inked some legal instruments for the implementation of the Cape Town Convention.

    Also speaking, during the unveiling of the portal, NCAA’s Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo said the platform is part of initiatives to safeguard the rights of aviation consumers across the nation.

    The Consumer Protection Portal, he said demonstrates the NCAA’s commitment to enforcing compliance with Part 19 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

    He said passengers can log in real time situations on airport incidents, delays and other issues regarding their flights.

    He said the portal is the regulatory body’s proactive response to these challenges. “From being unaware of their rights to navigating complex regulations, consumers face unfair practices. Hence, the need for a robust system to protect and empower consumers has never been more critical,”  he stressed.

    Najomo further highlighted that the portal provides quick access for lodging complaints and real-time monitoring of airline punctuality and on-time performance.

     “It will offer a wealth of resources, including guidelines on consumer rights, tools for reporting grievances, and support to Nigerian aviation consumers,” he added.

    “This platform is not merely a digital space but a beacon of transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that the portal will create a more equitable marketplace where consumers can confidently engage with airlines and other service providers.

    Najomo commended the NCAA’s 207 dedicated Consumer Protection Officers stationed at 23 airports, ensuring swift resolution of passenger grievances. The Consumer Protection Portal will transform the protection of consumer rights within the Nigerian aviation sector significantly.

  • NCAA personnel for training

    NCAA personnel for training

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has concluded plans to implement a comprehensive emotional intelligence training program for its staff.

    According to its Acting Director-General, Capt Chris Najomo, the training is designed to equip key personnel with the necessary skills to effectively manage public interactions and navigate challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.

    In a recent meeting with a delegation from Global Transport Policy, to present an award in recognition of his significant contributions to the aviation sector, Najomo highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in the aviation sector.

    “Emotional regulation is paramount in the aviation industry, where teamwork and collaboration are essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations,” he emphasized.

    Read Also: Why US delisted Nigerian airlines -NCAA

    According to him, the training series will focus on developing participants’ competencies in areas such as emotional self-awareness, emotional self-regulation, empathetic feedback, and assertive communication.

    Represented by the Lagos Regional Manager, NCAA, Barr. Bukola Teriba, the acting DG  noted that by equipping staff with these skills, the NCAA aims to foster a more harmonious work environment and improve its overall reputation.

     “This training will enable our personnel to handle high-pressure situations with composure, navigate conflicts assertively, and understand the perspectives of others,” he explained.

    Besides, the training will enhance the public relations capabilities of its personnel and foster a more positive passenger experience.

    Managing Director, Global Transport Policy, a leading industry consultancy firm, Dr. Segun Musa commended the NCAA’s commitment to improving its operations and expressed his support for the emotional intelligence training initiative