The acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, has affirmed that there are no plans to relocate the agency’s headquarters to Lagos.
During an interactive session with journalists in Lagos to unveil his vision for the NCAA, Najomo emphasized that the headquarters will remain in Abuja.
“NCAA has not received a directive to relocate; we are still in Abuja,” stated the acting DG, putting to rest speculations about a potential move.
Najomo outlined his vision for the NCAA in a presentation titled “NCAA Project 2024.”
He emphasized key areas that will receive priority attention in the transformation journey of the aviation sector.
These areas include prompt and simplified licensing/certification, enhanced surveillance, consumer protection, staff welfare, digital transformation, intensified revenue drive, Universal Safety Audit, and ISO 9001 certification.
Addressing the issue of outstanding debts from airlines, Najomo issued a stern warning to debtor airlines, urging them to settle their debts promptly to avoid disruptions in services.
“We are intensifying our cost recovery drive; the federal government now takes 50% of the money, most of the airlines are owing us, and we have told them to pay up. A debt recovery Joint Task Force shall be mandated to implement the cost recovery drive. All debtors to NCAA shall cease to receive services from the Authority, there shall be operation no pay, no service, and there will be strict sanctions for defaulting operators,” he declared.
To enhance consumer protection, the NCAA boss highlighted the presence of consumer protection officers monitoring airline operations at all Nigerian airports.
He acknowledged that some delays and cancellations might not be the fault of the airlines, but when they are at fault, appropriate measures will be taken as per regulations.
Najomo also revealed plans to establish a portal where passengers can log complaints for prompt attention and resolution, underscoring the importance of enforcing airlines’ compliance with consumer protection regulations.
“Enforcing airlines’ compliance with the Nig. Cars 2023 Part 19 (Consumer Protection Regulations) is a priority. We will ensure that airlines provide timely care to passengers for service disruptions, we will ensure that consumers receive quality service In the Nigerian Aviation industry and that their rights are always protected,” he stated.
