DGCA Moves to Restore Trust in Aviation Security

Samuel Mobolaji

The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has called for urgent collective action to strengthen aviation security and restore public confidence following recent incidents of passenger unruliness and lapses within the system.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee with industry stakeholders in Abuja, Najomo stressed that the forum was not about blame but about shared responsibility for a safer and more secure air transport sector.

He noted that recent developments posed risks to the integrity of the aviation system, making it imperative for regulators, airlines, security agencies, and airport operators to close gaps in procedures, technology, and human response.

According to him, the NCAA deemed it necessary to convene stakeholders to ensure that rules and responsibilities outlined in aviation laws, regulations, and security manuals are clearly understood and diligently enforced.

The meeting, he said, aimed to deepen inter-agency coordination, strengthen enforcement of operational protocols, identify immediate corrective measures, and prioritise continuous training of aviation security personnel.

Najomo emphasised that while policies and regulations are already in place, their effectiveness depends on courageous and professional implementation.

He acknowledged the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in steering the sector towards globally compliant resolutions, and also noted the National Assembly’s call for stakeholders to uphold their duties.

He reminded participants that aviation safety goes beyond infrastructure and agencies, stressing that the travelling public, in addition to their rights, has responsibilities to uphold.

“The safety of our aviation system is the safety of our nation,” Najomo declared, urging frank and constructive dialogue to produce tangible outcomes.

He further stressed that the resolutions from the meeting must translate into immediate actions to secure airport operations, restore passenger confidence, and close existing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.