The Coalition for Good Governance in Africa (CGGA) is right to call for a more constructive approach to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s aviation sector. At a time when the industry faces concerns ranging from passenger welfare and airline operations to infrastructure, financing and regulatory compliance, reducing every problem to the performance of one individual or institution serves little useful purpose.
The commendation of the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, by the coalition provides an opportunity to examine the broader question: what does Nigeria need to build a safer, more efficient and more competitive aviation industry?
The answer cannot be found in blame trading.
The NCAA occupies a critical position in the aviation value chain. Its responsibility includes safety oversight, economic regulation, consumer protection and enforcement of aviation standards. These functions are fundamental to the confidence of passengers, airlines, investors and international partners. However, the authority does not operate airlines, manage airports or control every component of the aviation system.
This distinction is important.
Passengers who experience flight delays, cancellations, poor customer service or other difficulties have every right to demand explanations and accountability. Airlines must also be held to established standards. But accountability must be directed at the institution or operator responsible for a particular failure. A regulator should not automatically become the sole target for every difficulty experienced within the industry.
The CGGA’s assessment of Najomo’s tenure, particularly its emphasis on safety oversight, consumer protection, regulatory efficiency and investment, therefore deserves consideration.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has long struggled with inadequate access to capital. Airlines require substantial financing to acquire and maintain modern aircraft, while investors and lessors need confidence that their interests will be protected by a predictable legal and regulatory environment.
The NCAA’s efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation frameworks, including the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) regime, are consequently important. These frameworks can help strengthen confidence among aircraft financiers and lessors and potentially improve airlines’ access to aircraft financing.
However, regulatory reforms must go beyond policies and pronouncements. Their real value will ultimately be measured by their impact on the travelling public and the sustainability of the industry.
Aviation regulation is effective only when rules are consistently enforced. Consumer protection must not remain a slogan. Airlines that violate passengers’ rights should face appropriate sanctions, while operators that comply with regulations should be encouraged to maintain high standards.
Similarly, safety oversight must remain non-negotiable. The primary responsibility of every aviation regulator is to ensure that commercial considerations never compromise safety.
This is where the NCAA must continue to demonstrate firmness, professionalism and independence. Stakeholder engagement is important, but regulation should never be weakened in the interest of appeasing operators or avoiding controversy.
At the same time, airlines and other industry players must recognise that regulation is not an obstacle to business. Clear and predictable rules create the environment in which responsible businesses can thrive. Compliance with safety, consumer protection and financial requirements should therefore be regarded as part of the cost of operating in a highly sensitive industry.
The Federal Government also has a significant role to play. Many of the structural problems affecting aviation cannot be solved by the NCAA alone. Infrastructure, airport development, access to foreign exchange, taxation, aviation fuel, security and investment policies require coordinated government action.
This is why the coalition’s call for cooperation among regulators, airlines, airport operators, investors and other stakeholders is timely.
Nigeria needs an aviation sector capable of supporting tourism, trade, employment and economic growth. Achieving this requires more than appointing capable officials. It demands continuity of policy, institutional discipline, investment and a willingness by stakeholders to put the national interest above institutional rivalry.
Constructive criticism must remain part of this process. Government agencies and public officials should not be shielded from scrutiny merely because they are pursuing reforms. Equally, criticism should be evidence-based and aimed at correcting problems rather than creating unnecessary confrontation.
Capt. Najomo and the NCAA should therefore be judged by measurable outcomes: improved safety standards, stronger consumer protection, effective enforcement, greater regulatory transparency and a healthier investment environment.
The wider aviation industry should equally be judged by its willingness to comply with regulations and improve services.
Ultimately, the travelling public is the most important stakeholder. Nigerians deserve an aviation system that is safe, reliable, affordable, transparent and responsive to their needs.
The sector will not achieve these objectives through endless accusations and counter-accusations. It requires responsible regulation, accountable operators, supportive government policies, credible investment and sustained cooperation.
The task before all stakeholders is clear: less blame, more accountability; less confrontation, more collaboration; and above all, a relentless commitment to safety and passenger welfare.
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