By Calista Oyeoba / Posted February 7, 2025
Nigeria’s Upper Parliament, The Senate has confirmed Capt. Chris Ona Najomo’s appointment as next Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
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Najomo’s confirmation was announced after the Senate Committee on Aviation’s report was adopted during the plenary session after undergoing a screening.
This confirmation marks a significant step for Nigeria’s aviation sector. Capt. Chris Ona Najomo’s extensive experience in the industry will be crucial in overseeing regulatory compliance, improving safety standards, and addressing key challenges within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC-Oyo), stated that the committee had screened the nominee and found him suitable for the appointment.
“This is due to his vast experience and outstanding contributions to the aviation industry,” Sen. Abdulfatai said.
He urged the Senate to approve the committee’s recommendations.
Expressing his support, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), despite not being part of the aviation committee, he found Capt. Najomo’s resume to be impressive, noting that there were no adverse security reports from relevant agencies about him and urged the Senate to approve the committee’s recommendations for confirmation.
The Senate then confirmed Najomo’s nomination as the Director General of the NCAA.
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The NCAA confirmed the latest development in a brief statement released through its official handle on X @NigeriaCAA.
It said: “Capt. Chris Najomo has been confirmed by the National Assembly as substantive DG, NCAA.
“Until his confirmation, Capt. Najomo served as Ag. DGCA. We wish him a successful tenure, and may civil aviation thrive under his leadership.”
Capt. Najomo, is a distinguished aviation professional with over four decades of robust experience in leadership, piloting, and regulatory expertise in the industry, armed with a total of 24,000 flying hours from 30 years of career, he has flown B727, BACI – II, SE210, CE550, EMB120, B737 (600-900s) and Airbus 330.
Before joining the NCAA, Najomo was the Chief Pilot at Arik Air (2021 to 2022), Line Captain Arik Air, 2008 to 2017. Later, he held roles as acting DGCA, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, and Director of Air Transport Regulation from 2022 to 2023.
He was NCAA’s Designated Examiner: B727; T.R.E, EMB120 (2007 to 2008) and also, a onetime Managing Director/CEO, Capital Airline (2005 to 2007) and the Director, FLTOPS, Al’Barkar Airline – Abuja, 2004 to 2005.
He is a decorated professional with several awards and recognitions.
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Some aviation professionals who spoke to DDNEWS express that this appointment might impact the aviation industry in Nigeria, positively, given Najomo’s rich experience.
NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos