The aviation sector in Nigeria is currently embroiled in a storm of controversy, with industry stakeholders, under the banner of Aviation Elders, raising urgent concerns over the ongoing leadership crisis within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). At the center of the dispute is the contentious appointment of Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive Director-General (DG) of the NCAA. While Najomo has been serving as the acting DG, reports have recently surfaced claiming that his appointment as the permanent DG has been confirmed, a development that has sparked a series of questions and concerns among aviation experts and stakeholders.
The Aviation Elders, a group of respected figures within the industry, have expressed alarm over the manner in which the confirmation process appears to have unfolded. In a statement issued by Kolade Hassan and Sy Mohammed, the elders criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the appointment. “The Acting DG NCAA may have declared himself as DG-NCAA in a very boastful manner without any formal presidential pronouncement or Senate confirmation,” the statement reads. This remark points to a video circulating on social media in which Najomo seemingly confirms his appointment, fueling doubts about the legitimacy of his position.
The controversy comes at a time when the aviation industry is facing multiple challenges, particularly with regard to safety. The elders are particularly concerned about the implications of the leadership struggle on the sector’s ability to maintain international safety standards and regulatory compliance. The Aviation Elders have pointed to a series of troubling incidents that underscore the sector’s growing vulnerability, including two engine failures in local airlines and a recent helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the elders is the impact the NCAA’s internal politics could have on Nigeria’s international aviation standing. “Are those engaged in announcing the substantive DG ahead of the presidency and the National Assembly aware that we have lost out on American Category One Certification?” they questioned. “Today, Nigerian commercial airlines are banned from flying into America, and very soon, other countries may follow suit.”
These concerns are not unfounded. Last year, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Nigeria’s aviation rating, which led to the suspension of Nigerian carriers from operating direct flights to the U.S. The downgrade was attributed to safety concerns and regulatory lapses, particularly within the NCAA. The Aviation Elders argue that this crisis of leadership is exacerbating the country’s aviation woes and could have even more severe consequences if left unaddressed.
The elders further criticize the NCAA’s oversight capabilities, citing multiple instances of accidents that have raised doubts about the agency’s ability to ensure passenger safety. “We are aware that last month, two aircraft engines failed in some local airlines, and a cargo airline overshot the runway,” the statement reads. “This to us is a clear evidence of lack of safety regulatory compliance by the operators and the NCAA.” These incidents have not gone unnoticed, with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) expected to release a report soon detailing these safety lapses.
Among the most shocking recent events was a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two crew members and six staff members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Aviation Elders expressed their concern that even major oil corporations, such as Shell, Chevron, and Total, are now questioning the NCAA’s ability to guarantee the safety of their oil workers. “The IOC, such as Shell, Total, Chevron, and NNPC, are not even sure if the NCAA can guarantee the safety of their oil workers going forward,” the elders warned.
The safety concerns extend beyond national borders, with international airlines also taking note of the NCAA’s regulatory shortcomings. United Airlines, for instance, recently experienced three major air returns, nearly resulting in a catastrophe. Yet, the NCAA has yet to take any significant action regarding these incidents. The Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had earlier indicted the NCAA for its role in the October 24, 2024 crash of a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter. “In fact, the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau, NSIB, had earlier indicted NCAA with regards to the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter,” the elders pointed out.
Amid these safety and leadership concerns, the Aviation Elders have raised the alarm over what they perceive as a deeper issue within the NCAA. They argue that the agency is being run like a personal business by some individuals who are determined to secure their own interests at the expense of public safety and national pride. “How on earth will a DG be confirmed to be substantive in the media, ignoring even the presidency and the National Assembly?” the elders questioned. “This shows desperation on the part of the sponsors. The desperation to keep running NCAA as though it’s a personal business must end now.”
The situation has grown even more dire with recent reports from the Federal Government criticizing the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies, particularly the NCAA, over their performance during a recent assessment. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry’s incomplete submissions, which led to significant blame being placed on the NCAA. Usman has also urged the ministry to revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to address the rising issues of flight delays and cancellations.
“The current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints is unrealistic and needs to be recalibrated to align with global best practices,” Usman stated, underlining the critical need for improvements in both customer service and regulatory practices within the sector.
The Aviation Elders are calling on President Bola Tinubu and his administration to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis within the NCAA and to prioritize the safety of Nigerians traveling by air. “We are optimistic that President Bola Tinubu and his team will not allow this desperation to overwhelm them and succumb to the desires of those desperate to keep the industry in their pockets,” the elders concluded.
