Starrays
By Moses Duke- (NASS, Abuja).
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Captain Chris Najomo as a substantive Director General(DG) of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
This confirmation was done during the Senate Plenary session at National Assembly Abuja on Thursday, 6th February, 2025.
It may interest you to know that Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, JP, CMW, until now was the Acting DG NCCA, who is highly rated as a distinguished aviation professional with over four decades of experience in leadership, piloting, and regulatory expertise in the industry.
There are confirmed reports that he has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and capacity in various roles throughout his career.
According to Star Rays International Magazine/Online/TV, the confirmation followed the adoption of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Aviation during plenary session.
Recall that on December 13, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Musa Nuhu from his role as the DG of the NCAA. Following his suspension, Nuhu was replaced by Najomo, who was appointed as the acting DG.
Presenting the report, the Committee’s Chairman, Buhari Abdulfatai, said Najomo was thoroughly screened and found suitable for the appointment. In his words,“This is due to his vast experience and outstanding contributions in the aviation industry,” he stated.
Abdulfatai urged the Senate to approve the recommendations of the Committee for confirmation and appointment of Najomo as NCAA’s DG.
Supporting the nomination, Mohammed Monguno, a member of the upper chamber, noted that, although he was not a member of the Aviation Committee, “Najomo’s credentials were impressive, and there were no adverse security reports against him”, the Chief Whip asserted.
Following deliberations on the matter, the Senate approved the Committee’s recommendations and confirmed Najomo’s appointment as NCAA’s DG.
The Red Chamber which screened the then acting DG chorused that, his appointment is indeed one of the best appointments so far made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, which the Senate has screened thoroughly and endorsed their seal; testifying that, “Capt.Najomi has what its takes to change the aviation narratives for the best”. Adding that, from evidence at their disposal, Capt. Najomo is highly tested and trusted to have the confidence of the Senate to restore the lost glory and integrity of the NCAA; and have also seen him as the man that the cap-fits, who has integrity, knowledge and experience in the aviation industry.
Other highlights of the event were, issues concerning safety, cancellation of flights and delayed flights, which were henceforth advised to be compensated, the Senators asserted.
In terms of safety, the red Chamber frowned at where passengers have to pay exorbitantly at short distance travels, which contravene consumers’ rights.
In a related development, Sen. Agadaga Friday of Bayalsa commends Capt. Najomo’s capability, describing him as an astute personality that is saddled with the challenging task to reform NCAA; urging him to respect the safety of air travellers and address other challenges that might cause consumers the burden of paying extra charges when boarding.
While Sen. Okechukwu Eze challenged him to look into the issues of Airlines allocations & variations cost distance, advising that it should be resolved accordingly.
Sen. Irite KINGIBE, FCT draws the attention of Capt.Najomo on consumers’ rights, which leaves them stranded at the operators’ faults.
Sen. Ireti further recommended a penalty for delayed flights & compensation for passengers who may fall victims of such situations.
Responding, the DG on his part, promised to “restore the Aviation’s lost glory and that the Aviation is going digital and are into training and retraining”, the DG assured.
