In a bold move to redefine Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure landscape, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has convened a groundbreaking stakeholders’ engagement with airstrip owners and operators in Lagos, the first such forum in the nation’s aviation history.
Declaring the event open, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Capt. Chris Najomo, described the engagement as a landmark occasion and a critical turning point in the industry’s evolution.
While aviation in Nigeria has spanned nearly a century, he noted that the focus has traditionally remained on aircraft and personnel, often sidelining the essential role of the operating environment — especially airstrips, which are vital gateways to remote and developing regions.
“This stakeholder engagement on airstrip development is not only overdue but also a strategic step toward strengthening our national aviation framework,” Najomo said. “It signals a fresh commitment to inclusion, safety, and sustainable growth.”
The forum, attended by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, and key officials from the Federal Ministry, CEOs of aviation parastatals, private and state airstrip operators, and other stakeholders, set out to bridge long-standing gaps in policy understanding, operational challenges, and regulatory alignment.
At the heart of the engagement is the need to deepen communication between the NCAA and airstrip operators, ensure clarity on regulatory requirements for constructing and operating airstrips, and tackle the unique hurdles facing both state-owned and privately managed facilities.
It also aims to foster collaboration for the development and integration of these facilities into Nigeria’s broader aviation system, while championing the adoption of global best practices in operations and management.
The DGCA expressed optimism that the goals of the engagement would set the foundation for improved compliance and performance across the sector.
He commended the NCAA’s Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards for driving the initiative, and urged all participants to contribute meaningfully to discussions that could shape the future of Nigeria’s regional and rural aviation access.
“This forum is more than a meeting — it’s a mission,” he affirmed. “Let us seize this opportunity to recalibrate and elevate airstrip operations across the country.”
As deliberations continue, stakeholders are hopeful that the outcomes of the engagement will not only inform policy but also catalyze investment, development, and connectivity in underserved parts of the nation.
