The Coalition for Good Governance in Africa (CGGA) has commended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, for what it described as efforts to improve safety oversight, consumer protection and investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The group, in a statement on Friday by its President, Mohammed Kudu, said Najomo should not be held solely responsible for the challenges confronting the industry, arguing that the problems involved several institutions and stakeholders.

CGGA said its assessment of Najomo’s tenure indicated a focus on strengthening regulatory processes, improving consumer protection and creating a more predictable environment for investors.

The coalition also highlighted Najomo’s more than 40 years of experience in the aviation industry, including his previous roles within the NCAA and the airline sector.

It particularly commended the NCAA’s efforts to improve confidence among aircraft financiers and lessors, saying such measures could help address one of the major constraints facing Nigerian airlines.

The group recalled Najomo’s remarks at the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in April, where he identified capital, confidence and capacity as critical to the development of the aviation industry.

Kudu said the NCAA’s commitment to international frameworks, including the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), was also important for attracting investment into the sector.

“Our assessment of Capt. Chris Ona Najomo’s stewardship shows a regulatory leadership that is focused on strengthening the systems within its mandate,” the statement said.

The coalition argued that difficulties experienced by passengers and operators could not be attributed entirely to the regulator, noting that airlines, airport operators, air navigation service providers and other government agencies also had defined responsibilities.

It urged stakeholders to channel disagreements into constructive engagements rather than prolonged disputes that could undermine efforts to reform the industry.

“The aviation industry needs a collaborative approach at this stage. Stakeholders have every right to raise concerns and demand accountability, but such engagement should be constructive and directed towards solutions,” Kudu said.

CGGA also called on the NCAA to sustain its emphasis on safety, passenger protection and enforcement, while urging airlines and other operators to comply with applicable regulations.

The group said improving Nigeria’s aviation industry would require coordinated efforts from government, regulators, airlines, investors and passengers.

“We call on all stakeholders to sheath their swords and allow the positive steps being taken by the administration to cascade into meaningful gains for the country,” it said.

According to the coalition, Nigeria needs an aviation industry that is safe, efficient and competitive enough to support economic growth, adding that such an objective could not be achieved through blame trading.