The acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA), Chris Ona Najomo, was recently caught on video making a controversial statement. He was recorded saying that while one of his legs is in the NCAA, his other leg is in Arik, a privately owned airline company. This statement has sparked significant concern within the aviation industry and beyond.
Experts in the aviation industry have labelled this situation as a gross violation of ethical standards and a clear conflict of interest. According to them, it is inappropriate for the DG of the NCAA, a regulatory body in the aviation sector, to have any form of public allegiance to a private entity within the same industry. This situation is even more concerning given Capt. Najomo’s history with Arik Air. Before joining the NCAA, Capt. Najomo served as the Chief Pilot at Arik Air from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, he was a line captain at Arik Air from 2008 to 2017. These roles indicate a long-standing relationship with the airline, raising questions about his impartiality as a regulator.
Capt. Najomo’s statement about his divided loyalties blatantly violates Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers (CCPO). This section explicitly states: “A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interests conflict with his duties and responsibilities.” By openly acknowledging his dual loyalties, Capt. Najomo has positioned himself in direct conflict with this mandate, undermining the integrity of the NCAA.
In light of this public display of bias, industry experts, stakeholders, and the general public are calling for immediate action. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, faces mounting pressure to replace Capt. Najomo. Such a step is seen as crucial to restoring confidence among industry players, the general public, and the government in the regulatory body’s ability to operate impartially and effectively.
The integrity of regulatory bodies like the NCAA is essential for maintaining fair and safe practices within the aviation industry. Any perception of bias or conflict of interest can have far-reaching implications, not just for the credibility of the agency but also for the safety and reliability of the aviation sector as a whole. Therefore, addressing this issue promptly and transparently is of utmost importance.
