NCAA Is Enforcing IDERA With Fidelity, Says Najomo
The Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has said that the regulator is enforcing the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) with fidelity.
Speaking at the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) held in Lagos Nigeria, Najomo said “aircraft financiers and lessors alike have nothing to worry about when it concerns the resolve of the regulator on this issue,” adding that “in a bid to boost aviation sector growth, Nigeria has domesticated the Cape Town Convention in the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and signed the IDERA” in October 2024 and that “this has significantly impacted on the Nigerian aviation market by enhancing the safety and efficiency of aircraft leasing and financing. IDERA now allows Nigerian airlines to secure more aircraft on dry lease, crucial for expanding fleets and services.”
“On their part, airlines must adopt disciplined and strategic approaches to fleet acquisition. Aircraft selection should align with route structures, market demand, and maintenance capability. Uncoordinated fleet expansion often leads to inefficiencies and increased operational challenges.
At the same time, national capacity must be strengthened through, for example, the development of local Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Expanding fleet size without corresponding maintenance capability limits the overall benefits of investment and leads to significant capital outflow.
Human capacity is equally important, so investment in training and competence-building in aviators and allied personnel are fundamental to sustaining growth,” stated Najomo.
The regulator further said NCAA’s modus operandi “is anchored on the principle of ease-of-doing-business without compromising standards. Therefore, to support investment, we have streamlined certification processes, enhanced transparency, and ensured timely decision-making. Predictability in regulation is a major driver of investor confidence, and we are working to strengthen this consistently.
Nigeria is therefore sending a clear signal to the global aviation finance community that our market is open, structured, and reform-driven, that our regulator is proactive, data-driven, and internationally aligned and that our airlines are ready to engage responsibly and competitively.”
He said the theme of this Summit, “Unlocking Capital, Confidence and Capacity in Nigeria Aviation,” captures, in very clear terms, the three interconnected pillars upon which the future of our aviation sector must be built which are unlocking capital that speaks to the urgent need to address the structural and financial barriers that have long constrained the growth of our airlines, unlocking confidence which drives investment and influences the willingness of financiers, lessors, and global partners alike to constructively engage with our market.
He said the theme also captures unlocking capacity which speaks to Nigeria’s ability, as a nation, to support and sustain growth, including operational capacity, technical capability, human capital development, and the infrastructure required to maintain and operate modern fleets efficiently.
“In addition, we are enthroning a robust digitally-driven regulatory system with competent manpower that surpasses the minimum requirements of ICAO and secures Nigeria’s respect in the comity of nations. Strong regulation backed by transparency, predictability, and strict adherence to international standards provides that much needed confidence,” said Najomo.
