Author: People's Standard

  CHUKS OKOH. When two highly competent personnel bring their talents, discipline, and vision into alignment, the effect on an organisation can be transformative. Such synergy is what Nigeria’s aviation is witnessing with the coming on board of the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Najomo and the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu. There are about eleven Directorates in NCAA and they are equally important, playing different roles effectively. Some of these Directorates include: Aerodrome & Airspace Standards (DAAS), Airworthiness Standards (DAWS), Air Transport Regulation (DATR), Aviation Security (DAS), Finance & Accounts (DFA), Operations, Licensing & Training Standards (DOLTS), Corporate Services (DCS), Public Affairs & Consumer Protection (DPA/CP), Human Resources & Administration (DHR&A), Directorate of Legal Services / Company Secretary (DLS/CS) and Directorate of Special Duties (DSD). Initially, there were fewer directorates but some directorates such as Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Corporate Services, Aviation Security stem from a re-organisation approved during the previous administration. Specifically, under Najomo’s watch, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo approved the establishment of the Directorate of Special Duties (DSD) and Directorate of Corporate Services (DCS) for better focus and efficiency. In addition to this and in his wisdom, Najomo created a dedicated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) unit (i.e. drone regulation) to handle the emerging area of unmanned aircraft. Also under his watch, a Project Monitoring & Contract Evaluation Unit (PMCEU) was set up to improve accountability in how NCAA projects are managed. A Quality Assurance Department was also created to ensure stricter compliance with both technical and non-technical policies. However, the Consumer Protection Directorate seems to be one of the most serious departments because of the plethora of complaints associated with flight delays, cancellations, baggage loss, refunds amongst others. Before Achimugu came into the picture, consumer protection was at its lowest ebb. Flight-related complaints such as flight delays, flight cancellations, mMissed connections caused by delays, poor communication during delays or disruptions, and unannounced schedule changes were coming in droves with little or no serious attention. There were also a plethora of Baggage Issues that has to do with lost baggage, delayed baggage, damaged baggage, Pilfered (stolen) items, excessive baggage fees and poor handling at baggage claim. Ticketing & Booking Problems such as overbooking / denied boarding, high or unclear change/cancellation fees, difficulty getting refunds, incorrect ticketing by airline or agent and hidden charges not disclosed upfront were all there. Today, all that have changed and serious attention is given to how customers are treated by the airlines and other companies within the aviation sector. With a well focused DG, the cooperation between him and the Director of Consumer Protection became very cordial. This understanding, from all indications has yielded fruits as the collaborative energy creates a multiplier effect; decisions become sharper, communication becomes seamless, and goals are pursued with unified momentum. This is exactly what is obtainable at the NCAA of today, where they have an environment that boosts staff morale, making the organisation to gain the stability and clarity needed to advance its mission. Ultimately, the partnership of these two strong leaders doesn’t just add value to NCAA but amplifies it, setting the entire institution on a trajectory of sustained progress. With such camaraderie, Najomo, since assuming office, has driven reforms focused on safety oversight, regulatory efficiency, consumer protection, and sector-wide modernization. His leadership has positioned the NCAA as a more proactive, responsive, and reform-oriented regulator in line with global aviation standards. A large dose of work have been done on Safety, with the implemention of stricter monitoring of airlines and aviation service providers to ensure adherence to Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NigCARs).m Such synergy has improved coordination with ICAO and other international bodies ahead of safety audits. This is just as Najomo has also encouraged airlines to enhance maintenance standards, crew training, and operational discipline amongst others. In areas of consumer protection, Nigeria has never had it so good. Few days ago, the NCAA courageously sanctioned Qatar Airways ₦5 million for consumer protection infractions. Between December last year and now, the NCAA initiated enforcement action against several airlines, both local and international, for violations of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations. In doing all these, NCAA has been able to carry out more assertive enforcement of passenger rights through the Directorate of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection. They have also supported transparent publication of regulatory actions, including fines and Letters of Investigation on airlines violating consumer rules. The consumer protection department in particular took it upon themselves and encouraged campaigns and awareness drives to educate passengers on their rights and responsibilities. Achimugu’s magic wand is not unconnected with effective use of the social media, particularly the X. As a matter of fact, his public statements on unruly passengers, and the Authority’s willingness to sanction airlines that flout consumer rules, have helped set behavioral and operational norms across the network. All these efforts under Najomo leadership have helped to reduce instances of unchecked airline infractions, helping to restore passenger confidence. In conclusion, Najomo and Achimugu stewardship of the NCAA reflects a commitment to safety, transparency, industry modernisation, and consumer justice.  

    CHUKS OKOH The managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Engr Umar Farouk says, the management is working round the clocks to see that all the operational, administrative and general welfare of ATSEP receives deserved attention. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) in Lagos, Engr Farouk noted that the theme of this year’s AGM “Safety, Efficiency and Innovation: The Triple Mandate of Air Traffic Engineers” captures the essence of the transformation currently shaping the global airspace management landscape. Represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services NAMA, Mr John Tayo, said “In a world where technological evolution continues to redefine aviation, our responsibility is not only to keep pace but to lead with clarity, competence, and creativity” Farouk said the management of NAMA recognizes ATSEP sacrifices and tenacity in their quest for excellence in the provision of air navigation services in Nigeria adding that their toiling and sweats are not unnoticed. “As Air Traffic Engineers, you occupy a strategic position in sustaining the integrity of our Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure. Your expertise remains the backbone of safe and efficient air traffic management. Every radar sweep, every communication channel, every navigational aid, and every emerging digital system depends on your vigilance, precision, and innovation”.   Farouk said NAMA recognizes the work of the engineers and value their contribution, remaining fully committed to supporting a professional environment where  skills can flourish and where modern technology and continuous training are prioritized. He stated that the Agency’s ongoing modernization efforts from CNS upgrades to advanced automation systems are built on a foundation strengthened by the engineers competence and dedication.   “This gathering is not only an opportunity for technical dialogue; it is also a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and alignment with global best practices. I urge you to engage deeply, share boldly, and challenge conventional thinking as we collectively shape the future of air navigation services in Nigeria”   Farouk commends their commitment, especially in the face of operational and infrastructural challenges adding that their resilience continues to uphold the safety of Nigerian airspace, and for that, the nation remains grateful. The president of National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), Engr Selzing in his opening speech said there is an improvement in the working environment of it’s members in the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) under the current leadership of Engr Umar Farouk. Miri noted that it was not the same situation in Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology and other sectors where it has members and urged them to brace up   Miri who admitted the improvement in the working environment noted that there were positive signs under the Engr Farouk Umar leadership   The NAAE boss noted that technology is evolving and there is the need for the engineers to catch up with the pace especially with the installation of new facilities in NAMA   Miri said training and retraining has remained the greatest challenge of air traffic engineers in the country but noted that in NAMA, the engineers are being trained but other agencies are not living up to expectations in training and retraining.   He noted that the wide gap in training was as a result of neglect in the past which has remained difficult to close.   The NAAE boss blamed the poor maintenance of facilities borders on funds but commended the NAMA Management for embarking on installation of modern navigational facilities.  

CHUKS OKOH The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, the parent company of six travel and aviation-focused businesses, Mr Bankole Bernard, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS), Nigeria Local Consultative Council (LCC). A statement signed by the Public Relations Manager Finchglow Holdings, Temilade Adu, informed that his appointment was confirmed recently by the Directorate of CASS in a statement to the public. CASS Nigeria, through its Local Consultative Council (LCC), is a crucial pillar in the nation’s aviation industry, responsible for ensuring transparency and strengthening the financial settlement framework between airlines, logistics partners, and cargo operators. As the industry navigates rising demand for efficiency, data integrity, and system-wide collaboration, the Council’s leadership has become even more pivotal. Bernard’s appointment comes at a defining moment for CASS Niger.

    CHUKS OKOH The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo and the executive governor of Plateau State Bar Caleb Mutfwang are expected to grace the fourth Quadrennial national delegates conference of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN’s) in Jos. A statement by the chairman conference planning committee, Comrade Emmanuel Jaja said the governor will be hosting while aviation minister will be the guest of honour. According to the committee, the theme of the conference is “HUMAN CAPITAL NEEDS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION IN NIGERIA;CHALLENGES & Prospects, it will also feature symposium on career prospects in aviation industry. The committee said Jonggrand Hotel and Event Center, Yohanna Dalyop Avenue,Opposite Fire Service, Bukuru Express Way, Jos Plataea State, will be the venue on 10th December 2025 at 9:00am . ATSSSAN is an affiliate of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (IF), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)  and World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). Comrade Jaja disclosed that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth exercise in the city of Jos.

CHUKS OKOH The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Thursday issued a seven days ultimatum to the management of Aviation Logistics and Management Ltd., to address workers welfare regarding 13th month salary, staff right of association, unaccountable dues collection among others. The warning is contained in a statement signed by the Deputy General Secretary of the association, Odinaka Igbokwe in Lagos after a meeting on December 3. According to the statement, NUATE had on November 24, written to the firm asking for a meeting to be held on December 3, to discuss the need to address the issues but the representative of the management failed to show up. “Today, 3 of December, we made calls to you which you ignored. For the meeting, we suggested you deliberately absented yourself. The visit to your office was frustrating, because you increased the number of securities to ward us off. “Please do note that over the years you have gone contrary to Section 40 of the Nigerian constitution by preventing your workers from becoming Union members and executives. “They do not have representation before your management in their collective. You have made collective bargaining impossible, contrary to all known modern industrial practices and faws. To the list of your offences, you give us dues without producing the list of staff from whom it was deducted. “In seven days, you must address ail the issues raised above or in default take responsibility for any action which we will take to correct the above anomalies. You have been warned,” the statement read.

      CHUKS OKOH,   The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN’s) Aviation Security  (AVSEC) and Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) units recruited in 2016/2017, have condmned what they called unequal treatment, treatment, career stagnation, and abuse of office that have affected their ranks, progression, and welfare. They are calling on the management of FAAN to intervene and address the issue for peace to reign in the organisation According to the affected anonymous personnel, most of them were mandated to submit their OND/SSCE despite possessing HND/B.Sc. degrees during their employment, which they complied with. Years after, their higher qualifications have not been recognized leaving them stagnated despite being more qualified and more experienced than those being recruited after them Meanwhile, officers recruited from 2019–2023, who faced the same entry restrictions, were later allowed to resubmit their HND/B.Sc. and upgraded to higher ranks and their qualification backdated to point of entry. They were placed above their seniors both in seniority and remunerations. This  has reversed hierarchy, caused injustice, and destroyed morale of the people they met It was further gathered that conversion was done which did not affect the personnel already reached GL-8 as  it did not change rank or salary without correcting the entry injustice While the 2019–2023 officers received full upgrades, not conversion, their qualifications were reviewed at point of entry which has given them edge over the 2016/2017 batch. It was further gathered that they were  allegations that some senior officials (GMs/Directors) have used their positions to sexually intimidate female officers seeking help with their upgrades. This it was learned has caused resignations by some who could not cope with the trauma and emotional distress. To verify fairness, personnel files of AVSEC/ARFFS officers recruited 2016–2018 and 2019–2023 and records showing entry qualifications, dates of conversion/upgrades, approval memos for the 2019–2023 upgrade exercise, promotion histories and comparison of treatment should be called for. An anonymous top labour leader in one of the unions in the industry who confirmed the practice disclosed that they are awaiting for briefing from the affected personnel to meet with the FAAN management to resolve the differences “I am aware of it and they have not come to us, but once we get their petition, we will schedule a meeting with the Managing Director” Contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection FAAN, Mr Henry Agbebire, promised to get back to our aviation editor but never did after 24 hours.