A recent wave of false accusations targeting Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has been firmly refuted by the NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection, and Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Achimugu.
The allegations, which surfaced in a poorly written article, were aimed at discrediting Capt. Najomo’s leadership and tarnishing his reputation ahead of his confirmation as the substantive Director-General.
The smear campaign, attributed to individuals Kolade Hassan and Sy Mohammed, accuses Capt. Najomo of self-declaring himself as the DG without presidential approval or Senate confirmation.
The article also questions his commitment to safety and his management of the NCAA.
However, Achimugu quickly dismissed these claims as baseless and misleading.
In response to the accusation regarding Najomo’s self-declaration, Achimugu clarified, “The video in question has been misrepresented.
Capt. Najomo simply introduced himself as ‘Director-General’ in an internal meeting, but at no point did he claim to be the confirmed DG. The NCAA has not made any official statement regarding his confirmation status.”
On the matter of safety, which critics claim Najomo has neglected, Achimugu stressed the significant strides made under his leadership. “Capt. Najomo’s tenure has been marked by key safety improvements, including the commissioning of the Flight Data Centre, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing aviation safety in Nigeria. His decisive actions, such as suspending Dana Air for safety violations, demonstrate his commitment to passenger safety and the integrity of Nigerian aviation.”
Furthermore, Achimugu highlighted the achievements of Capt. Najomo’s leadership in modernizing the NCAA.
Under his guidance, licensing processes have been expedited, consumer complaints have been addressed more efficiently, and a new complaints portal has been launched to ensure swift resolution of passenger grievances. “Capt. Najomo’s approach of ‘ease of doing business without compromising standards’ has revolutionized the way the NCAA operates,” said Achimugu.
Capt. Najomo’s leadership has garnered widespread support from aviation unions, industry stakeholders, and operators who have publicly called for his confirmation as substantive DG.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the NCAA’s fulfillment of its obligations, and Capt. Najomo’s efforts to clear backlogs of staff entitlements have improved employee morale and productivity.
In conclusion, Achimugu reaffirmed that Capt. Najomo’s leadership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driving progress and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He called on detractors to focus on supporting the industry’s growth rather than attempting to undermine the progress that has been made. “Capt. Najomo’s record of competence, integrity, and dedication to the aviation industry speaks for itself.
The NCAA will continue to focus on serving the Nigerian people and advancing the aviation sector,” he concluded.
As the confirmation process moves forward, Capt. Najomo remains committed to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
