By Nosa Aituamen
The Director General, Civil Aviation, DGCA, Captain Chris Najomo, spotlighted the transformative strides made in Nigeria’s aviation sector under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu during a high-level session at the 10th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week Symposium.
Addressing delegates at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Captain Najomo highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building a globally competitive aviation industry by prioritizing infrastructure, liberalization, and regional cooperation.
The symposium with the theme: “Optimizing Air Transport Connectivity for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa,” served as a platform for Nigeria to showcase its aviation reforms as a model for other African nations.
According to the DGCA, President Tinubu’s administration has increased investment in critical aviation infrastructure, including the ongoing modernization and expansion of terminal facilities at major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu.
These efforts are designed to improve passenger experience and boost operational efficiency.
The federal government’s airport concession program, driven by public-private partnerships, is also progressing steadily, aimed at enhancing service delivery and ensuring long-term sustainability.
In addition to terminal upgrades, Nigeria is expanding cargo infrastructure and establishing Free Trade Zones at key airports to strengthen export capacity.
Projects such as the proposed development of aerotropoli, airport cities, around Lagos and Abuja are intended to integrate aviation with tourism, logistics, and commerce.
On the safety front, Captain Najomo emphasized the government’s continued investment in navigation and air traffic systems.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is spearheading the modernization of air navigation services, including the deployment of satellite-based systems and upgraded radar technologies to ensure the country’s airspace remains safe and efficient.
Regionally, the NCAA boss affirmed Nigeria’s strong support for liberalized air transport under initiatives such as the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Nigeria remains a key proponent of open skies within Africa and has signed multiple Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen regional integration and enhance air traffic flow and search-and-rescue collaboration.
Domestically, the Tinubu administration is backing national carriers through strategic initiatives like the “Fly Nigeria Act,” which mandates government-sponsored travel to be booked with Nigerian airlines.
This policy, along with improvements in the regulatory environment, is fostering the growth of local operators. Notably, Nigeria’s domestication of the Cape Town Convention through the Civil Aviation Act 2022, and the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), have bolstered investor confidence.
These actions improved Nigeria’s standing on the CTC Compliance Index and facilitated access to leased aircraft, a significant step forward for fleet expansion and airline sustainability.
Captain Najomo reiterated that the government’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure and policy. Human capacity development remains a central agenda, with ongoing initiatives aimed at building a skilled workforce to support the industry’s expansion.
Speaking to challenges facing the continent, he pointed out that while African nations often seek to protect their national carriers, excessive protectionism has stifled liberalization and regional connectivity.
He called for greater alignment between aviation, tourism, and trade policies, alongside more robust economic regulations and visa reforms to support cross-border movement and cooperation.
The Director General’s remarks were met with strong interest from participants at the ICAO symposium, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in aviation reform.
He concluded by reiterating President Tinubu’s vision of an aviation industry that is not only safe and efficient but also a driver of economic growth and regional integration.