Aviation Controversy in Nigeria: Calls for Najomo’s Appointment Stir Tensions Over Regulatory Independence
In a dramatic move raising concerns over impartial regulation, Nigeria’s Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have publicly called for the confirmation of Capt. Chris Najomo as the substantive Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The industry group claims Najomo’s tenure as acting head has revitalised the sector, citing improved safety and efficiency standards. This appeal, however, has drawn sharp criticism from aviation experts who argue that it violates the principles of regulatory independence and could compromise safety.
The AON’s endorsement of Najomo, expressed in a statement signed by Vice President Allen Onyema and spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, comes amid ongoing leadership tensions within the NCAA. The dispute dates back to early 2024 when Capt. Musa Nuhu, the substantive Director-General appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was suspended amid corruption allegations and replaced by Najomo in an acting capacity. Though Nuhu’s case was referred to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in January, no investigation updates have been issued, leaving the agency in limbo.
The AON praised Najomo as a transformative figure, with Onyema lauding his “deep understanding of both airline operations and regulatory demands.” Yet, the endorsement has sparked allegations of undue influence, with critics pointing to Nigeria’s obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) guidelines, which discourage regulatory conflicts of interest. ICAO’s 39th Session Resolution XX explicitly warns against such conflicts, stressing that independence is critical to upholding safety standards.
Industry veteran John Ojikutu decried the AON’s open lobbying, warning it could set a dangerous precedent. “This move risks compromising safety,” he said. “The AON should not be lobbying for its preferred regulator; it’s a clear avenue for regulatory capture.” His sentiments were echoed by Charles Amokwu, an aviation analyst, who argued that this public lobbying undermines Nigeria’s credibility on the international stage. “Regulatory roles should be professional, not subject to political whims or industry influence,” Amokwu insisted.
Adding to the tensions is the broader issue of regulatory integrity. ICAO’s stance, articulated through the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, underscores the importance of preventing conflicts of interest in state aviation oversight. Nigeria’s aviation industry, deeply interconnected with global standards, could face reputational risks if these principles are seen to be breached.
Despite the mounting pressure, the Ministry of Aviation, led by Festus Keyamo, maintained that the final decision rests with President Bola Tinubu. In a recent interview, Keyamo dismissed claims of political interference in Najomo’s potential appointment, reiterating that “there is no politics in the matter; the President will make the final decision.”
As Nigeria’s aviation community awaits Tinubu’s verdict, the controversy raises critical questions about transparency, regulatory autonomy, and the sector’s adherence to international norms. The outcome could shape the future of Nigerian aviation, either reinforcing its commitment to impartial oversight or casting a shadow over the industry’s regulatory integrity.
