When the Nigerian Senate confirmed Capt. Chris Najomo as the substantive Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on February 6, 2025, there was a quiet but cautious sense of anticipation across Nigeria’s aviation sector. Now, exactly 100 days later, that anticipation has given way to what many describe as a period of measured progress, decisive leadership, and renewed regulatory focus.
Najomo, a veteran pilot and industry insider, stepped into the role at a time when the sector was facing multiple headwinds—from the lingering aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic to regulatory gaps and low investor confidence. But rather than be daunted, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
“We needed to reset the narrative around NCAA,” he said at a stakeholder meeting in April. “We cannot be regulators in name only—we must be seen to act with credibility, transparency, and professionalism.”
An Emphasis on Safety and Accountability
One of Najomo’s first actions was to strengthen NCAA’s internal oversight systems, particularly around safety compliance and aircraft inspections. According to top NCAA officials, the DG ordered a comprehensive safety audit across local carriers and airport operations—ensuring the authority didn’t just tick boxes but enforced real accountability.
These actions have not gone unnoticed. Several operators received compliance notices within weeks of his assumption of office, and more rigorous ramp inspections were introduced to keep domestic airlines within safe operational limits. The message was clear: safety is non-negotiable.
Digital Transformation Takes Off
A major highlight of Najomo’s first 100 days was the commencement of a digital transformation agenda aimed at making NCAA services faster and more transparent. The rollout of an online portal for licensing, permit applications, and renewal processes marked a clear shift from paper-based inefficiencies to smart regulation.
Stakeholders praised the move, noting that it reduced bottlenecks and encouraged better engagement between the NCAA and industry players.
“We are seeing an NCAA that is listening and evolving,” said one domestic airline operator who preferred anonymity. “The new system is still developing, but the intent and direction are encouraging.”
Bridging the Trust Gap
Throughout his short but eventful time in office, Najomo has also prioritized stakeholder engagement. He has met with domestic airlines, ground handling companies, aviation unions, and international bodies in a bid to restore confidence and rebuild institutional trust.
This participatory leadership style has brought calm to some previously tense quarters within the sector. Regular town hall sessions, feedback mechanisms, and direct consultations have helped him navigate old bureaucratic bottlenecks that plagued the authority for years.
Alignment with the National Aviation Agenda
Capt. Najomo has also worked closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to align NCAA’s strategic direction with the Federal Government’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda. His team is already collaborating on domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) capacity development, local pilot training programs, and policy support for new airline entrants.
For a regulator once criticized for its sluggish response to sectoral needs, this newfound agility is being applauded.
Reflections and the Road Ahead
At the 100-day mark, observers are unanimous on one point: Najomo has brought stability, focus, and reform-driven energy to NCAA.
According to aviation analyst and commentator, Ifeanyi Nwankwo,
“The past 100 days under Najomo have shown that Nigeria’s aviation regulator can be proactive, responsive, and forward-looking. The industry is watching—and hoping—this continues.”
While challenges remain—including infrastructure gaps, foreign exchange constraints, and workforce development—the foundations laid in these early days suggest that NCAA under Najomo is not just flying but ascending toward a new era of operational integrity.
As he looks ahead, Capt. Najomo will need to balance regulatory discipline with innovation, keep stakeholder momentum alive, and ensure the NCAA continues its transformation into a world-class aviation authority.
One hundred days may not define a tenure, but for Capt. Najomo, they have defined a direction.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
