The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called for the confirmation of Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria.
Capt. Najomo was appointed the Acting Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2023.
The umbrella body for registered airlines in Nigeria hinged the call for confirmation of the Ag DGCA on the endorsement of the quality regulation at the NCAA describing it as the best in the world.
The spokesman of AON, and the Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo stated this on Wednesday at the the World United Consumer Organization Maiden International Air Transport Conference with the theme: “Air Transport in Africa: Prospects and Challenges.”
AON said the NCAA under Capt. Najomo is safety-centric but without stifling airlines to stunted growth.
Prof. Obiora said AON members have experienced an ease of doing business climate they have never experienced in the industry without compromising safety and security.
He acknowledged the simplified certification processes, renewed zeal among well-motivated staff owing to the prioritisation of staff welfare, and the absence of bureaucratic red tape that hitherto plagued regulation.
Similarly, the Chairman Air Peace and the Vice President, AON Mr. Allen Onyema, said Capt. Najomo has zero tolerance for anything unsafe in the industry, saying his promotion of the ease of doing business doesn’t mean he tolerates unsafe practices by any airline.
In his brief address during the conference, Najomo emphasized that the NCAA conducts surveillance checks on all the airline’s operators.
He also said the Authority is in discussion with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to increase the operational duties of air traffic controllers from 7 pm to 10 pm at the sunset airports to enhance operational efficiency of the airlines and give customers better flying choices.
Najomo said the authority has developed a regulatory culture that is transparent and drives aviation growth and stressed the need to promote innovation and technology.
He said leveraging advancements in technology will be critical to improving safety, efficiency, and customer experience, saying from digitalised operations to green energy solutions, innovation must be at the heart of our strategic vision.
He reiterated that the development of human capital within the sector cannot be overlooked.
“We must invest in training programs and partnerships that empower a new generation of African aviation professionals, ensuring that the sector remains competitive on the global stage.”
He said the success of Africa’s aviation sector hinges on collaboration, adding that conferences like this provide a platform for exchanging best practices, aligning policy objectives, and fostering partnerships that address systemic challenges.