The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has emphasised the critical role of a board of directors in enhancing corporate governance within the agency.
He stated that the board provides strategic direction, oversees management, and ensures key decisions align with the Civil Aviation Act.
Speaking at a Corporate Governance and Board Management Seminar organised by NCAA’s Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) in Lagos, Najomo noted that the appointment of boards for aviation parastatals, including the NCAA, can happen at any time, citing the recent inauguration of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board as an example.
He underscored the necessity of a well-defined corporate governance framework to improve regulatory oversight and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry. “A board is essential for the proper running of any agency or authority. I even said that I am going to self-audit to ensure we are doing the right thing,” he remarked.
Addressing senior officers, consultants, and aviation stakeholders, the DG stressed that the responsibilities of the NCAA Board extend beyond supervision.
He pointed out that the board must ensure compliance with statutory regulations while fostering synergy between governance and management.
According to Captain Najomo, the Civil Aviation Act 2022 remains the guiding legislation for NCAA operations, aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) State Safety Oversight requirements.
He explained that Section 5(2) of the Act provides for four statutory board members: the Chairman, a representative from the Ministry of Aviation, a representative from the Ministry of Defence, and the Director-General of the NCAA. All other members serve in an ex officio capacity.
He urged seminar participants to critically analyze the Act’s provisions to facilitate seamless collaboration between the NCAA Board and its management. “I expect today’s discussions to highlight areas of mutual cooperation while addressing potential conflicts through realistic solutions,” he stated.
Reflecting on NCAA’s recent silver jubilee celebration, he said the milestone presents an opportunity to reposition the Authority for a safer, more secure, and economically viable aviation sector.
He called on the Directorate of Legal Services, which also serves as the NCAA’s Company Secretariat, to develop a robust corporate governance framework to support Board members in fulfilling their duties effectively.
The NCAA Director of Legal and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, also spoke at the seminar, highlighting the importance of regulatory bodies enforcing compliance. “We are refreshing our knowledge and reminding ourselves of our responsibilities. Corporate governance is about rules, laws, procedures, and policies,” she noted.
The seminar, attended by industry experts and key stakeholders, provided a platform for discussions aimed at strengthening NCAA’s governance structure and ensuring global best practices in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
