The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has announced the approval of five Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) within the past year, paving the way for five new airlines to commence operations in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Najomo made this disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Lagos on Friday.
An AOC is a critical operating license required for airlines to engage in commercial air transport. The issuance of these certificates by the NCAA signifies that five new airlines have met the regulatory requirements and are now authorized to begin commercial flight operations in the country.
Najomo emphasized that the approval process was rigorous, ensuring that all applicants adhered to safety standards without cutting corners. He stated, “During the AOC approval process, we ensured that all safety requirements were fully met before issuing the certificates to the applicants.”
Addressing concerns about aging aircraft in Nigeria, Najomo clarified that the safety of an aircraft is not solely determined by its age but by the quality of its maintenance. He explained, “The NCAA conducts regular surveillance on all aircraft operating in Nigeria to ensure they are properly maintained. Brand-new aircraft can still experience incidents or crashes, so it’s not about how old the aircraft is but how well it is maintained.”
On the issue of job scarcity in the aviation sector, Najomo highlighted the NCAA’s efforts to encourage airlines to expand their fleets. He noted that increasing the number of aircraft in operation would create more job opportunities within the industry. “We are working to ensure airlines bring in more aircraft, which will, in turn, generate more jobs for the sector,” he said.
The stakeholders’ meeting provided a platform for key players in the aviation industry to discuss challenges and opportunities, with a focus on enhancing safety, expanding operations, and boosting employment in the sector.