ICAO Chief Hails NCAA’s Workforce Reforms, Says Nigeria is Africa’s Aviation Regulatory Pace Setter By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria’s aviation regulatory authority has received a major international endorsement as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) praised the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its bold investment in human capital development, a move that is strengthening the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation regulators.
The commendation came from Fabio Rabbani, Director of the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI) at ICAO, during the 11th ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week taking place in Cairo, Egypt, from 27–31 July 2026.
Rabbani applauded the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, for making workforce development a strategic priority through sustained partnerships with ICAO, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other globally recognised aviation training institutions.
According to the ICAO official, the NCAA’s commitment to continuous professional development has elevated the Authority into one of Africa’s foremost civil aviation regulators, expressing confidence that deeper collaboration between ICAO and the NCAA will further enhance Nigeria’s aviation oversight capabilities.
Responding to the commendation, Capt. Najomo reaffirmed his determination to leave the NCAA stronger than he met it, stressing that institutional excellence can only be achieved through a well-trained and future-ready workforce.
In a significant policy shift, the NCAA has expanded access to professional training beyond senior officers on Grade Level 14 and above to include staff from Grade Level 10, a move aimed at building technical competence early in employees’ careers and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled aviation professionals.
“We need to catch them young and train them in order to make the Authority better equipped to carry out its oversight functions,” Najomo stated.
The international recognition comes at a time when African aviation regulators are intensifying efforts to improve safety oversight, regulatory efficiency and compliance with global standards. For Nigeria, ICAO’s endorsement reinforces growing confidence in the NCAA’s ongoing reforms and its commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of the nation’s aviation sector.
Industry observers believe the endorsement further strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as a regional leader in aviation regulation and capacity development, positioning the NCAA as a model for other civil aviation authorities across Africa.
