Director General Of NCAA Endorses NIGAV Awards As Industry Performance Watch Dog
The Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has commended the NIGAV Award as an industry performance watchdog and praised the creativity of the organizer for designing such a programme that promotes healthy competition among the airlines at the level of the cabin crew.
He made this commendation during the courtesy visit of the Nigeria King and Queen of Air, along with the founder and Chairman of NIGAV Centre Mr. Fortune Idu to the Director General’s office for support.
The DG, who indicated that he was at some time of his carrier as a pilot awarded best pilot of the year by a cabin crew association in USA also recalled leading the Arik Team to clinch the as the ‘Best Cabin Crew Of The Year 2019’ at the 10th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Award, said such gesture and acknowledgement of effort we made for industry progress is a motivation to continue striving for the best.
He advised the current King and Queen of the air to remain steadfast even after their reign to continue to act as Nigeria aviation ambassador of best practices and promised that the agency will continue to support NIGAV award and NQKA as agent of industry promotion and strategic partner to NCAA.
Commenting on the visit, Mr. Fortune Idu, who is the founder of Award and Chairman of the NIGAV Centre stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free event on April 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the NIGAV Expo Centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He remarked that Capt. Chris Najomo has a warm personality and a good disposition for collaboration, and his support for innovative initiative is very positive and inspiring. He remarked that NCAA has promised to support the CSR initiative of the coming NKQA and will use them as the face of the aviation community interface.
According to Mr. Idu, over 50 awards will be presented at the event. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is expected to lead aviation parastatal chiefs and other stakeholders to this highest and most prestigious aviation sector award in Nigeria. Mr. Idu remarked that most of the guests and sponsors have confirmed their participation.
The theme of this year’s NIGAV awards is Foundation for Accelerated Aviation Growth (FAAG). This was adopted to highlight the achievements of the current administration over the past year in establishing the groundwork necessary for positive and sustainable growth in the aviation business. Mr. Idu stated that the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards will honour over 40 industry recipients, including the Minister himself, who will be recognized as the Aviation Personality of the Year, underscoring the stability and focused development Mr. Festus Keyamo has brought to the aviation sector during his tenure.
Also to be awarded are the Airline CEO of the Year, Aviation Agency CEO of the Year, Aviation Investor of the Year, Unsung Heroes, Lifetime Achievement Award, and various designated awards for numerous airports, airlines, and service providers.
Mr. Idu noted that the past year has been significant for reviewing projects, programmes, and processes aimed at driving aviation, and the award reflects various actions promoting growth. He also remarked that a new King and Queen of the Air will be crowned at this year’s event, in keeping with the tradition of the NIGAV Awards. Fourteen contestants have been shortlisted for the competition, representing major airlines that have endorsed capable cabin crew members to participate. The event fosters healthy competition among airlines and promotes best practices. The winners will receive two million naira and will undertake a one-year CSR activity endorsed by the NCAA.
