In a renewed commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s aviation standards, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has restated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) remains statutorily responsible to both air travellers and airlines — a dual mandate that ensures safety, security, and a seamless passenger experience across the nation’s air transport system.
Capt. Najomo made this reaffirmation during a familiarisation visit by Mr. Jean-Luc Mevellec, Country Manager, Air France Nigeria (General Management), accompanied by Ms. Antonia Kenosa Umunna, Key Account Manager (Commercial Division), at the NCAA Headquarters in Abuja.
Flashback and Reflection
Since assuming office, Capt. Najomo has consistently emphasized NCAA’s regulatory balance between protecting consumers and supporting airline operations — a vision deeply rooted in ensuring a thriving and reliable aviation ecosystem. His leadership continues to build on the NCAA’s legacy of safety oversight, consumer protection, and operational integrity.
During his interaction with the Air France team, Capt. Najomo reflected on the Authority’s ongoing reforms designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. He stressed that NCAA’s duty extends beyond enforcing compliance — it is also about fostering collaboration that empowers airlines to operate with global best practices while ensuring that passengers receive fair treatment and reliable service.
Key Issues Discussed
The discussions with Air France centred on several strategic matters, including:
- Effective consumer protection and improved responsiveness during service disruptions.
- Timely filing of the airline’s winter schedule with relevant authorities to facilitate seamless approval processes.
- Full compliance with Ministerial directives mandating the use of Nigerian catering services for international flights departing the country.
- Deployment of Airbus A350 aircraft on the Abuja route to enhance passenger comfort and route efficiency.
- Preparations for Air France’s forthcoming presentation on eco-piloting and carbon dioxide reduction initiatives in Lagos — part of its sustainability drive.
A Call for Stronger Airline–Regulator Collaboration
While welcoming the Air France delegation, Capt. Najomo commended the airline for its consistent operational presence in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between both institutions would continue to flourish.
He, however, urged Air France to maintain a strong focus on customer service excellence, ensure timely communication of flight-related information, and sustain constructive engagement with NCAA’s Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) across all terminals, particularly during operational disruptions.
“Our role as a regulator,” Capt. Najomo emphasized, “is to protect both the integrity of airline operations and the rights of passengers. We are accountable to both parties — the airlines that keep our airspace active and the passengers whose trust sustains the industry.”
His remarks echo the NCAA’s enduring mission — a balanced approach where safety, service, and sustainability converge to define Nigeria’s aviation future.
Capt. Chris Najomo, DG of the NCAA, reaffirms the Authority’s dual responsibility to passengers and airlines, emphasizing safety, customer protection, and collaboration during a meeting with Air France Nigeria officials.
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