NCAA seeks NASS backing to align aviation rules with ICAO standards
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called for closer collaboration with the National Assembly to ensure Nigeria’s aviation regulations remain consistent with international standards while strengthening safety, security, economic regulation and consumer protection across the sector.
Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the call during a familiarisation visit by the House Committee on Delegated Legislation to the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.
Najomo said sustained engagement with lawmakers was necessary to ensure the country’s aviation regulatory framework remained responsive and aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
He said the Civil Aviation Act 2022, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 and other regulatory instruments provide the legal and operational framework for the NCAA’s responsibilities, including aviation safety, security, economic regulation and consumer protection.
Chairman of the House Committee, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamishile, said the visit was intended to deepen cooperation between the legislature and the regulator while improving understanding of the NCAA’s rule-making process.
He also raised concerns over outstanding statutory remittances owed to the NCAA by airlines, proposing legislative changes that could allow applicable funds to be deducted and remitted directly to the regulator.
The committee also sought explanations for recurring flight delays and cancellations and measures being taken to reduce disruptions for passengers.
Responding on behalf of the DGCA, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said inadequate aircraft capacity had previously contributed to disruptions, particularly where one aircraft was deployed across multiple routes.
He said more aircraft were now being introduced through dry-lease arrangements, while the NCAA was also developing a system that would allow passengers affected by disruptions to be rebooked on other airlines.
On the proposed legislative amendments, Director of Legal Services, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the review of the Civil Aviation Act had reached its final stages with the Ministry of Justice.
She said the legislation would be further updated before being presented to the National Assembly.
The engagement ended with both institutions agreeing to sustain cooperation on delegated legislation and regulatory reforms.
For Nigeria’s aviation sector, stronger coordination between the regulator and lawmakers could provide greater clarity around airline obligations, consumer rights and regulatory enforcement while helping ensure that domestic aviation rules remain aligned with international requirements.
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