Nigeria’s aviation regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), delivered a commanding performance at the 15th edition of the Nigeria Aviation Awards in Lagos, sweeping top honours in a night that underscored its growing authority in shaping a safer, more consumer-focused aviation industry.
At the centre of the spotlight was the Director General of Civil Aviation, Chris Ona Najomo, whose leadership earned him two of the evening’s most prestigious recognitions — Aviation Agency CEO of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award. The double honour reflected a tenure defined by strengthened safety oversight, far-reaching regulatory reforms, and a steady push to align Nigeria’s aviation framework with global best practices.
Speakers at the ceremony noted that the accolades were more than ceremonial, pointing instead to a record of institutional strengthening and policy-driven transformation under Najomo’s stewardship. Since assuming office, he has positioned the NCAA as a proactive regulator, reinforcing both safety compliance and economic oversight while rebuilding stakeholder confidence across the sector.
The night’s honours extended beyond the Director General. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, clinched the Aviation Agency Director Award, reflecting his growing influence in advancing passenger rights and transparency. Under his leadership, the directorate has significantly expanded consumer protection frameworks, improved communication with the flying public, and earned multiple recognitions for customer service excellence, passenger engagement, and front desk operations.
Also recognised was Anastasia Aver Gbem, Director of Human Resources and Administration, whose contributions to staff welfare, training, and institutional efficiency earned her a special recognition award. Her role in boosting staff morale and productivity has been widely credited as a key driver of the authority’s internal transformation.
Institutionally, the NCAA emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, securing multiple awards across critical areas including digital innovation, service delivery, and ease of doing business. Of particular note was the recognition of its SMS Pro platform, a technological initiative that has strengthened safety reporting systems and improved operational efficiency within the aviation ecosystem.
Additional honours in consumer protection, customer service, and passenger interface further reinforced the regulator’s evolving identity as a modern, responsive, and forward-looking institution.
Reacting to the sweeping recognition, Najomo attributed the achievements to collective dedication within the authority and strategic policy backing from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He noted that ongoing reforms have created a more enabling environment for industry growth, while also positioning Nigeria to better align with international aviation standards.
In a goodwill message delivered by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Kambari, on behalf of the minister, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment, policy clarity, and institutional strengthening, signalling aviation’s central role in Nigeria’s broader economic development strategy.
The 15th NIGAV Awards ultimately served as more than a celebration of excellence; it marked a defining moment for the NCAA — one that highlighted a regulator increasingly at the forefront of safety, innovation, and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.