By George Ozalla
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has been conferred with the Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Also honoured at the Institute’s 2026 International Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos on Tuesday were the NCAA’s Director of Airworthiness Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, and the Institute’s President, Engr. Charles Ebitei, a veteran Aviation Safety Inspector.
The fellowship is one of the Institute’s highest honours and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of aeronautical engineering and aviation in Nigeria.
Capt. Najomo, who was represented by the NCAA Lagos Regional Manager, Barr. (Mrs.) Olubukola Teriba, thanked the Institute for the honour and applauded Nigerian aeronautical engineers for their professionalism and commitment to aviation safety.
He dedicated the fellowship to the management and staff of the NCAA, describing the recognition as a tribute to their hard work and commitment to maintaining high safety standards and supporting the growth of the aviation sector.
According to him, the Authority remains committed to strengthening regulatory oversight, improving transparency, expanding digital services, enhancing staff welfare and sustaining close collaboration with operators and other stakeholders.
Since taking over as Director-General, Capt. Najomo has pursued reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the NCAA and reinforcing its role as the country’s aviation regulator. Under his leadership, the Authority has strengthened safety oversight, improved engagement with airlines and other industry operators, expanded staff training, advanced the digitalisation of regulatory processes and stepped up the enforcement of passenger rights.
His administration has also placed greater emphasis on timely regulatory decisions, stakeholder engagement and adherence to international aviation standards, measures that have further strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s aviation regulatory system.
A seasoned aviator with decades of experience as a commercial pilot and aviation administrator, Capt. Najomo has served in several operational and management capacities within the industry, bringing a wealth of experience to the leadership of the NCAA.
The conference attracted aviation professionals, engineers, regulators, researchers and other stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, to discuss issues affecting aviation safety, engineering practice and technological development in the sector.
