By George Ozalla
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has called for stronger economic regulation in Nigeria’s aviation industry, stressing that effective oversight is critical to enhancing air connectivity, ensuring seamless airline-airport integration, promoting fair competition, and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
Najomo made the call while presenting a paper titled, “Regulatory Framework for Taming Natural Monopoly,” at the 2026 Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE), held from July 14 to 16 in Lagos. The summit, themed “Economics of Enhanced Air Connectivity: Airline and Integration,” brought together key aviation stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Speaking before industry operators, regulators, investors, airport managers and other stakeholders, the Director General observed that although the aviation industry naturally exhibits characteristics of monopoly due to the high cost of infrastructure development and limited operational facilities, robust economic regulation remains essential to prevent the abuse of market dominance and ensure that all players operate on a level playing field.
He explained that an effective regulatory framework protects the interests of airlines, airport operators, investors and the travelling public while creating an environment that encourages innovation, efficiency and long-term investment in the sector.
Najomo further stated that effective regulation remains the cornerstone of a resilient aviation industry, adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to strengthen its economic oversight through the judicious implementation of the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023.
He stressed that the Authority is committed to ensuring fairness, efficiency, accountability and sustainable growth across the aviation industry by enforcing policies that promote healthy competition and eliminate anti-competitive practices capable of undermining the sector.
The DGCA maintained that the NCAA’s regulatory approach is aimed at creating a predictable investment climate that will inspire investor confidence, attract new investments into aviation infrastructure and services, and support the long-term development of Nigeria’s air transport industry.
He further stated that the measures being implemented by the Authority are designed to improve service quality, safeguard consumer rights, encourage healthy competition among industry operators and enhance the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to him, strong economic regulation will also contribute significantly to improving connectivity across the country’s air transport network by ensuring that airlines and airports operate within a transparent and accountable regulatory environment that benefits all stakeholders.
Najomo noted that enhanced collaboration among airlines, airport operators, regulators and other industry stakeholders is indispensable to achieving improved air connectivity and deeper airline-airport integration.
He explained that stronger partnerships within the industry would not only improve operational efficiency but also support sustainable growth, expand business opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
The Director General advised stakeholders to embrace collaboration, regulatory compliance and shared responsibility in building a more competitive aviation industry capable of meeting global standards while delivering quality services to passengers and investors alike.
He expressed confidence that with effective economic regulation, strategic partnerships and sustained stakeholder commitment, Nigeria’s aviation sector would continue to witness increased efficiency, improved connectivity, stronger investor confidence and sustainable growth that would benefit the nation’s economy.
