The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, has declared that Nigeria is repositioning its aviation sector to attract global investment, improve aircraft acquisition, and build sustainable industry capacity through regulatory reforms and financial innovation.
Speaking at the maiden Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit 2026 in Lagos on Wednesday, Najomo outlined a comprehensive roadmap centred on capital access, investor confidence, and industry capacity as the pillars for unlocking the nation’s aviation potential.
Najomo emphasised that one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian airlines is access to affordable and sustainable financing for aircraft acquisition. He noted that aviation remains a highly capital-intensive industry, where limited financing options have historically constrained fleet expansion and modernisation.
“To unlock capital,” he said, “we must address structural and financial barriers by strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, while encouraging innovative financing solutions tailored to Nigeria’s operating environment.”
Industry analysts note that Nigerian carriers often rely heavily on leasing arrangements due to limited access to long-term credit, a situation that has historically placed them at a competitive disadvantage compared to global counterparts.
The NCAA boss stressed that investor confidence is critical to attracting international financiers, lessors, and aviation partners. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to global best practices, particularly adherence to the Cape Town Convention and the implementation of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization.
According to Najomo, Nigeria’s domestication of the Cape Town Convention under the Civil Aviation Act 2022, alongside the signing of IDERA in October 2024, has significantly improved the country’s aviation financing landscape.
He explained that IDERA provides legal assurance to aircraft lessors and financiers by enabling the swift deregistration and export of aircraft in cases of default – an assurance that reduces investment risk and encourages leasing arrangements.
“Make no mistake,” Najomo stated firmly, “the NCAA is enforcing IDERA with fidelity. Financiers and lessors have nothing to fear regarding our regulatory resolve.”
He added that the authority is deploying a digitally driven regulatory system designed to exceed the minimum standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization, thereby enhancing transparency, predictability, and efficiency.
Beyond financing and regulation, Najomo highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s operational and technical capacity to support aviation growth. He underscored the need for investment in infrastructure, human capital, and maintenance capabilities.
Central to this vision is the development of local Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, which he described as critical to reducing capital flight and ensuring the sustainability of fleet expansion.
“Expanding fleet size without corresponding maintenance capability limits the benefits of investment,” he warned.
He also called for increased investment in training programmes for pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals, stressing that human capacity development is essential for long-term industry resilience.
Najomo reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation sector without compromising safety standards. He revealed that the authority has streamlined certification processes, enhanced transparency, and prioritised timely regulatory decisions.
“Predictability in regulation is a major driver of investor confidence, and we are working to strengthen this consistently,” he said.
The DGCA used the summit to send a strong signal to the international aviation finance community that Nigeria is open for business. He described the country’s aviation market as “structured, reform-driven, and internationally aligned,” with a proactive regulator and increasingly competitive airlines.
The summit aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development and economic diversification, including aviation as a key growth sector.
While highlighting opportunities, Najomo also urged Nigerian airlines to adopt disciplined and strategic approaches to fleet acquisition. He cautioned against uncoordinated expansion, advising operators to align aircraft selection with route networks, market demand, and maintenance capacity.
Industry experts say such discipline is crucial, as past instances of rapid but poorly planned fleet expansion have contributed to operational inefficiencies and financial distress among some carriers.
Concluding his address, Najomo expressed optimism that the summit would deliver practical outcomes capable of transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He said the NCAA remains committed to fostering a regulatory environment that supports investment, enhances safety, and positions Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
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