Work Has Commenced On Civil Aviation Master Plan, Says NCAA
The Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo says the design and preparation of the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), has taken off, with assistance from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In his Goodwill Message today at the Stakeholders’ Engagement focused on Transforming the Aviation Industry through Strategic Partnerships: Advancing Airport Sustainable Development, held in Lagos, Najomo said “ICAO conducted the training and several meetings have taken place with Nigeria’s counterparts. We appointed a team of counterparts and a national focal point who have been working with visiting ICAO experts. They have swung into action, since visiting Kano, Lagos, Enugu, etc.”
On the aged demand for upgrade of some Nigerian airports to sunset airports, Najomo said just recently, through collaboration with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), “we are upgrading some sunrise/sunset airports to operate up till 10pm. This is to promote smooth passenger transport and reduce delays & cancellations.”
Highlighting some achievements of NCAA so far under his watch, Najomo said “the Nigerian aviation industry stands at a pivotal juncture where strategic partnerships between the regulatory body, industry operators, trade unions, and investors are critical for achieving sustainable development. The NCAA, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has remained steadfast in driving policies and developing reforms that enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and security, and boost passenger confidence” adding that “relatedly, we have been able to broker truce between the AON and the Ground Handling Companies on the knotty issue of ground handling charges. Authority letters were issued in January, 2024, followed up by engagements in February, 2025.”
On Policy Reforms & Digital Transformation, Najomo said “the NCAA has worked closely with stakeholders to accelerate issuance of permits, licenses and certification processes. EMPIC-EAP is being deployed as the regulatory software and Training for super-users was accomplished in April, 2024.These reforms are aimed at enshrining the ease-of-doing-business concept, without compromising standards.”
In his speech, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) said he would not approve the Summer Schedule for foreign airlines operating into Nigeria until they patronize local caterers.
He asked NCAA to ensure the airlines comply with the directive. “Until they show me agreements demonstrating partnerships with our local caterers, I will not approve summer schedule for foreign airlines. If you want to leave Nigeria because of food, you can. Our airlines will fly the routes,” he said.
Minister Keyamo expressed frustration that Nigerian catering companies have been excluded from the lucrative airline catering business, despite foreign carriers profiting considerably from Nigerian routes.
In her presentation, the Managing Director, Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku identified various projects that FAAN has executive since 2024 as well as the ongoing projects.
