NCAA: Towards vibrant policies, regulations in air transport industry

The regulatory and operational flanks of the air transport sector have recorded major improvements in the last one year. Stakeholders are, however, unanimous that the newfound vigour under the current Civil Aviation Authority should cascade into a better organised and efficient air transport sector, though devoid of politicking, JOKE FALAJU reports.

The Acting Director of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, since the resumption of office about a year ago, has seen to it that the authority lives up to his mandate of regulating the aviation industry and improving service delivery.

Specifically, the tenure has brought on board the strengthening of aviation safety oversight with the Flight Data Analysis Centre (FDAC), the review of the aircraft entry policy to boost investment, digitalising NCAA’s operations for seamless services, new consumer complaints portal and redressed for consumers, tackling illegal operators and sanctions for errant operators, and the recertification of Lagos and Abuja Airports, among others.

Recall that Najomo, during his first stakeholders’ interactive meeting, had assured that he would intensify efforts in enforcing the airline’s compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, part 19, on Consumer Protection Regulations.

He said that with the assistance of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, air passengers would begin to get value for their money, as the authority would ensure that airlines provide timely care to passengers for service disruptions, adding that they would also ensure consumers receive quality services in Nigeria Aviation industry and that their rights are always protected.

He also reiterated the authority’s commitment to implementing a simplified certification and licensing system to streamline the approval process for authorising licences and permits.

He said: “This is a derivative of the ease-of-doing business philosophy towards encouraging the growth of the aviation industry.”

To achieve this, the AgDG has developed several initiatives, including launching a new dress code for all the Consumer Protection Officers working at the nation’s airports to improve service delivery and enhance visibility in the event of complaints.

In addition to the rebranding, there was improved staff welfare, training and re-orientation for a better output, in line with the Five-Point agenda of the minister, which focuses on passenger rights, privileges and responsibilities.

While some stakeholders reckon that there is more to be done, there is a consensus that the CAA has brought some sanity in general and commercial aviation.

The authority had earlier deployed its officials to monitor the activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria with sanctions for defaulters.

For instance, no fewer than 10 airlines were sanctioned for using Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) for unauthorised charter operations. This crackdown, led by the Ministerial Task Force, highlighted the misuse of private jets by high-net-worth individuals for commercial purposes, bypassing regulatory oversight.

The NCAA suspended permits for offending operators and initiated a review of all PNCF holders to ensure adherence to licensing terms. This action reinforces the Authority’s commitment to fair competition, safety, and operational integrity in the sector. The airlines sanctioned on July 4th, 2024, include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, and Matrix Energy Limited.

On sanctions of airline operators, the NCAA boss had, in many fora, read riot acts to domestic airline operators over the alarming reports of incessant flight delays, disruptions, and schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers. He had expressed his dismay over the spate of flight disruptions, poor customer experience, and the unacceptable handling of passengers, which must be improved upon.

While sanctions may not have been effected as expected, he had stressed that the authority decided to meet with airlines to understand their challenges, insisting that no airline wishes to delay or reschedule flights.

Another achievement of the Ag DGCA was re-certifying the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos four years after it was placed on hold.

According to him, the NCAA and FAAN have worked assiduously to ensure the closure of the critical certification findings as required by the regulations, maintaining that the renewal of the aerodrome certificates marks an important milestone towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security.

Plans are underway to recertify additional airports nationwide, focusing on infrastructure modernisation and operational efficiency. This aligns with the NCAA’s vision to enhance passenger experience and maintain consistent compliance with ICAO standards.

As part of its broader modernisation efforts, the NCAA has made significant strides in digitising its operations. Captain Najomo announced the launch of a new portal to facilitate the digital processing of approvals, licenses, recertifications, and passenger complaints.

“The digital system is going to be awesome,” said Najomo, referencing the two-year journey that led to the development of the portal. Consequently, this system will enhance the efficiency of the NCAA, allowing for quicker processing and real-time monitoring of airline performance. The portal will also enable the public to view airline service evaluations, offering insights into the best and worst performers.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria also expressed confidence in the reforms and leadership style of the acting DG, though with a political slant that has also upset other professionals.

The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who is also the Vice President of AON, lauded Najomo as a tested stakeholder who has come into the industry with a mission.

“He is not a novice at all. This is one of Nigeria’s finest pilots ever created under the sun, quote me. Captain Chris Najomo is one of the most proficient pilots in the world, not just in Nigeria. He has paid his dues.

“Not only that, but he has also paid his dues in airline management. Don’t forget that he was once the managing director of an airline. So, he knows the pains of the operators. On the other hand, you need to go to the NCAA. The people there are full of smiles because of Najomo. This is the kind of thing nobody should pray to lose. If we take it for granted, our fingers will be burnt.”

Chairman of United Nigeria Airline and the President of AON, Prof. Obiora Okwonkwo, describing him as “Aviation Papa”, said he is a round peg in a round hole.

Meanwhile, some other stakeholders have criticised the open commendations of the Ag DGCA, saying it could compromise safety standards.

An aviation expert, Godwin Ike, described the open commendation of the regulator as an open conflict of interest, saying the office of the DGCA is not political and adding that the direct conflict of interest could put Nigeria in a bad light in the international community.

Another stakeholder, Olumide Ohunayo, said that Captain Chris Najomo is a fine gentleman who has done well for the industry.

He, however, added that the office of the DG is supposed to be a professional position, not political, as we are seeing now.

“You can go behind the lobby, but not openly. There is an ICAO paper on the issue of conflict of interest and state regulatory affairs. This direct conflict of interest would put Nigeria in a bad state in the international community.

“We need to understand that a nation doesn’t exist in isolation. Aviation is international; every country must comply with international standards and recommended practices. This is entirely based on the recommendation of ICAO. If they want to lobby, let them do it discreetly and not brazenly as they are going about it. Nigeria is a member of ICAO, and we must comply with what ICAO is doing,” Ohunayo said.