The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is working to simplify the process of acquiring aircraft for local airlines, according to Acting Director-General Chris Najomo. Speaking at a training program for the consumer protection portal, Najomo revealed that Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has been engaging with aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Embraer to facilitate dry leasing for Nigerian airlines.
This initiative aims to address the challenges of flight delays and cancellations by enabling local airlines to access more aircraft. Najomo expressed optimism that these efforts will soon yield results, allowing airlines to expand their fleets and improve services.
Additionally, NCAA is refining its policy on the minimum number of aircraft required for Nigerian carriers, ensuring it aligns with each airline’s operational scope. This revised policy will take effect in 2025.
Najomo also announced plans to digitalize NCAA’s operations, enhancing its oversight duties and improving efficiency. The consumer protection portal, set to launch in August, will facilitate swift resolution of passenger complaints and serve as a performance assessment tool for airlines.
The capacity-building program aims to equip airline personnel and regulatory officials with skills to address common passenger complaints, particularly those related to delayed or canceled flights. NCAA is adopting cutting-edge information technology applications to support this initiative, including digitalizing certification, recertification, and licensing processes.
