Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting DG, NCAA
By Comrade Akanbi Adimula
The sterling performance of the current helmsman, Capt. Chris Najomo, in charge of the regulation of Civil Aviation activities in Nigeria, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has once again reinforced the time-tested solution to the challenge of leadership and position mismatch in our national life.
Early 2024, when the Minister of Aviation effected changes in the leadership of all agencies under his ministry, the most applauded of the new appointment were those of the female managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the appointment of Capt. Chris Najomo, who was then a serving Director in the aviation regulator NCAA.
Plaudits back were effusive in their commendation of Mr. Festus Keyamo for rising above the usual the political sentiments and exigencies, to appoint an industry professional who was not a stranger to the regulatory/administrative dynamics of Nigerian Civil Aviation.
About eight months down the line, Najomo’s appointment though on an acting capacity, has turned out to be the much needed elixir and healing balm which the NCAA and Nigeria Civil Aviation have been waiting for after the not-too impressive industrial showing of the last administration.
Today, Nigerians and those who should know are boldly pointing to the numerous positive innovations that have brought about great improvements and have renewed the hopes of industry stakeholders and workers alike in the sector.
The midas touch of Najomo are glaringly evident in how he collaborates effectively with the Hon. Minister to implement the latter 5-point agenda, as well as how he has been able to transform the workplace climate at the regulatory authority through enhanced collaboration amongst the management team, as well as between the workers body and top management.
Today at NCAA, administration flows seamlessly; with reduced stress, improved employee retention and greater commitment of the staff to their regulatory oversight responsibilities.
GENERAL STAFF WELFARE
Payment of backlog of Housing (Rent) arrears to all Staff that had accumulated from 2019. Vigorously tackled staff stagnation issues:
The Hon. Minister accepted the recommendation of the Ag. DGCA and approved an inter-directorate deployment to open up bottlenecks in the structure, and subsequent promotion of stagnated staff from GL.14 to GL.15.
These staff have been stagnated on same career position for between 5 and 10 years without promotion.
Successfully re-organized and populated newly-created directorates for efficiency Tackling payment of huge backlog of relocation allowance due to staff consequent upon the movement of the NCAA headquarters from Lagos to Abuja by the Federal government.
Open-door policy and regular engagement (both formally and informally) with the NCAA Unions to ensure peace and stability in the workforce.
Working with the NASS Committees and the ministry resulting in the early approval of the 2024 Training Budget. Conducted Induction plus Retreat for Top Management of NCAA in February, 2024.
The Ag. DGCA signed a performance bond with each director at the end of this retreat, thus, setting the stage for the achievement of the DGCA’S performance target for the year 2024, which also is in line with the Hon. Minister’s 5-point agenda.
Institutionalization of the meritorious service recognition for deserving staff. This commenced with 3 staff recognized in the Port Harcourt Regional Office in February, 2024. This innovation has led to improved dedication and greater productivity of the staff.
Inauguration of committees to review the NCAA Scheme of Service and Staff Conditions of Service as part of improved staff welfare. The respective committees have almost completed their assignment, which the Ag.DGCA is ever ready to secure necessary approval for immediate implementation.
Relocation of the Procurement department from the DGCA’S Office to the DCS to promote transparency and accountability in procurement matters.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION FOR THE INDUSTRY
Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP)
Preparation of the CAMP assisted by ICAO has effectively taken off! ICAO conducted the training and several meetings have taken place with Nigeria’s counterparts.Composition of the National Executive safety committee (NESC) and inauguration of same by the Honourable Minister. This is a key requirement in the implementation of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP).
This policy committee is geared towards the zero-accident approach of the present administration for civil aviation. Conclusion of the draft of Nigeria first-ever SSP manual and the National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP).
The CAA is collaborating with industry stakeholders, having forwarded the draft SSP plan to them for stakeholder input prior to final sign-off by Capt. Najomo As a result of the above, key safety performance targets is expected to be set by the regulator and an Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP) will be defined for Nigeria.
For the first time, the NCAA helmsman created a Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit (PMCEU) to ensure probity and transparency in the execution of NCAA’s projects.
Creation of the Quality Assurance department to promote compliance with technical and non-technical policies and procedures within the NCAA.
A committee has since been inaugurated by the Ag. DGCA to draft the Authority’s first Quality Assurance document. Setting up of the Flight Incidents Data Centre in collaboration with APS.
This initiative aims at tackling the dearth of credible data for decision making and proper planning that has plagued the civil aviation industry for years.
The Data Centre has been slated for formal commissioning by the Minister of Aviation.On the issue of high air fares charged by foreign airlines, NCAA engaged with foreign airlines in February, 2024, Ag. DGCA inaugurated a committee comprising officials from NCAA, FCCPC and NANTA in March, 2024.
These engagements, and others actions by the FGN, resulted in foreign airlines unblocking their lower inventory fares and made cheaper fares available for Nigerians.Najomo worked assiduously with his principal; the Hon. Minister’s buoyed by the commitment of His Excellency Mr. President to secure the commencement of Air Peace the Lagos-London operations, Nigerians have since been enjoying this service and underground work continues to secure the airlines entry into other routes in UK and the USA.
A complete re-evaluation of all holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) ordered by the Najomo is currently on-going to ensure such holders are adhering to the terms and conditions of their permits.
This has been aggressively supported by the Barrister Keyamo to ensure fair practice and accountability among operators.Creation of a dedicated unit for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to drive the growth of the Drone/Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPAS) industry in Nigeria.
This has liberalized and simplified for Nigerians, the registration and usage of the UAVs . Instituted a simplified certification process as a derivative of the ease-of-doing business policy of the Najomo administration.
As the gate-keeper of the sector, Service providers who satisfy requirements are certificated appropriately, while those who do not meet requirements are formally excluded from the sector.
In view of the above, five applicants have obtained Air Operator Certificate (AOC) under the Najomo administration so far! Reduction of the total time for certifications, aircraft registrations and provision of technical services.
List of certified Heliports are now published on NCAA website and the system has been set up to keep it updated.
Digitization of the regulatory authority processes through the deployment of EMPIC-EAP as the regulatory software for selected modules.
Training for super-users have been done in April, 2024 and the system has commenced operation in phases. This has placed the Nigeria CAA at par with its counterpart in the advanced world.
Signing of a revised Advisory Circular on IDERA and De-Registration of Aircraft under an IDERA. This is historic to support the Aviation Minister efforts at growing operational capacity through dry lease. Good times are here for operators who can easily acquire aircrafts and for Nigerians who can now enjoy competitiveness in air travel, with attendant cost reduction through the forces of demand and supply. Nigeria successfully underwent ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) – Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) of Nigeria’s civil aviation security system in March, 2024.
Nigeria had no Significant Security Concern (SSeC). This in layman language, is a tacit vote of confidence which the international civil aviation Agency ICAO passed on Nigeria aviation.
All AVSEC national documents such as NCASP, NCASTP, NCASCP, NCASQCP and NCP have been reviewed and approved in accordance with ICAO Annex 17 requirements.
CONSUMER PROTECTION INITIATIVES
Prompt resolution of customer issues.
Rebranding of the Consumer Protection Department for public awareness and effective service delivery.
Prompt ticket refunds and payment of compensation for flight disruptions or baggage issues.
Ensuring better passenger experience for Nigerian passport holders by foreign airlines.
Deployment of the CPD portal.
This was recently unveiled by the Aviation Minister thereby revolutionizing the implementation of the requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation law in Nigeria (NCAR)Launch of Uniforms for easy identification and visibility of consumer protection officers deployed to all Nigerian airports.
Automation of the complaint initiation, tracking and resolution/closure process and launch of QR Code for ease of complaint resolution.
No doubt, Najomo has enjoyed unparalleled support from the Minister of Aviation, as well as cooperation of the various heads of sister aviation agencies, what cannot be denied is the fact that the Federal government has gotten it right in aviation, by appointing a man who is hugely committed to make a difference in the assignment given to him.
The administrative and technical achievements of Najomo under 8 months in acting capacity as the helmsman of the regulatory body for civil aviation in Nigeria, is a pointer to the goodies that lies ahead of the all-important industry in the scheme of things of Nigeria economic development.
Comrade Akanbi Adimula is spokesman: African Aviation Renaissance Group
