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Tag: NCAA

  • JUST IN: Senate confirms NCAA’s substantive DG

    JUST IN: Senate confirms NCAA’s substantive DG

    The Senate on Thursday,  confirmed the appointment of Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, as Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    Najomo’s confirmation followed the adoption of reports of Senate Committee on Aviation at  plenary.

    The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC-Oyo) while presenting the report,  said the committee screened the nominee, and  found him suitable for the appointment.

    “This is due to his vast experience and outstanding contributions in the aviation industry” he said.

    He, however,urged the senate to approve the recommendations of the committee for confirmation and appointment of Najomo as director general, NCAA.

    Also, Sen.Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) said although he was not a member of the aviation committee, the resume of the nominee inspired hope, as there was no adverse security report from security agencies against him.

    Monguno urged the senate to approve the recommendations of the committee for confirmation.

    The senate thereafter,  confirmed the nomination of Najomo as director general of NCAA.

  • BREAKING: NCAA revokes AOCs of Eastwind Aviation, Omni-Blu Aviation

    BREAKING: NCAA revokes AOCs of Eastwind Aviation, Omni-Blu Aviation

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of two operators.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the two operators are Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation as disclosed by NCAA in a terse statement on Friday.

    Recall that on October 24, 2024, a helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima in Rivers State.

    The helicopter, chartered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident.

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) immediately launched an investigation into the immediate cause of the mishap. However, NSIB was yet to make public the outcome of its investigation.

    Omni-Blu Aviation, on the other hand, operates as a chartered helicopter and jet company. The aviation firm has been enmeshed in a regulatory conflict.

    NCCA in the terse statement disclosed that Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Aviation violated Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of Applications, Licences, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, or Records.

    The statement by NCAA reads: “The Authority has determined that both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation are in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of Applications, Licences, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, or Records.

    “Part 1.2 1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provide the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate. Consequently, the respective Air Operator Certificates OBA/AOC/12-15/002 and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 are hereby revoked”.

  • BREAKING: Max Air suspended from operating domestic flights

    BREAKING: Max Air suspended from operating domestic flights

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the domestic flight operations of Max Air, following a mishap at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers that the suspension is for a period of three (3) months, effective from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations.

    Recall that officials of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport temporarily shut down the airport’s runway for inspection and clearance following a tyre burst incident involving a Max Air plane carrying 53 passengers.

    NCAA disclosed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated investigation into the occurrence and that it had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.

    “However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management. During this 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.

    “The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.

    “The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” NCAA said in a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs.

    TNG reports the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to have confirmed that there were no injuries to the passengers or the crew members on board and that the aircraft has been towed for investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.

    FAAN disclosed that the Max Air Boeing 737, on Tuesday, suffered a nose wheel gear collapse while landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

    FAAN’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah disclosed this  in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to Orah, the aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD on Tuesday also experienced a rear tire burst while landing on Runway 06/24 at MAKIA.

    “On board the aircraft were 53 passengers and 6 crew members. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the passengers or the crew members on board.

    “Emergency services responded promptly, and the incident was managed according to the emergency response plan.

    “The aircraft has been towed to Bay 5 for further investigation, which is ongoing by Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to determine the root cause of the incident,” she said.

    Orah also said that the runway was opened on Wednesday at 8.00 a.m after cleaning and normal flight operations have resumed.

    TNG reports the incident occured on Tuesday at 10.48 p.m.

  • Poor passenger management worries NCAA

    Poor passenger management worries NCAA

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says  poor management of passengers by airline operators during flight disruptions and cancellations is affecting the credibility of the aviation industry.

    The Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the remark on Friday in Lagos during a meeting with airline operators.

    According to Najomo, it is the responsibility of airlines to ensure that every disruption, whether due to operational, technical or weather-related challenges, is handled with  utmost professionalism and regard for passenger rights.

    Najomo said that flight disruptions were prevalent, particularly in the harmattan season due to poor weather conditions that could affect flight operations.

    He said that flight  delays and cancellations had far-reaching implications for passengers, businesses, the credibility of the aviation industry and national development.

    “Air travel is not just about transporting passengers from one point to another; it is about doing so with reliability, efficiency and accountability.

    “When delays and cancellations occur, they disrupt plans, cause financial losses, and undermine passenger confidence in our aviation system,” he said.

    On NCAA’s flight operations data record indications, Najomo said that, in September, out of 5,291 domestic flights which were operated, 2,434 had delays and 79, cancellations.

    He said that, in October, 5,513 flights were operated, with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded.

    According to him, all airline operators must observe  the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023.

    “These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations that ensure that passengers are promptly informed of schedule changes, delays or cancellations,” he said.

    According to Najomo, the regulations also require that accommodation, refreshments and alternative travel arrangements will be offered when disruptions exceed the acceptable limits.

    He also said that the regulations require  that adequate compensation would be  made where applicable.

    “Non-compliance with these regulations will not be tolerated,” he said.

    Acknowledging challenges faced by airlines, including inadequate infrastructure and operational constraints, Najomo said  that airlines must invest in robust operational systems that would minimise avoidable delays.

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the need for improved communications and management strategies.

    Kuku encouraged passengers to have access to the right information.

    “If you have a travel agent helping you to book your ticket, please make sure that it is your email address or your phone number that will be used, so that you get information about the flight.

    “We have spoken to  airlines to give us necessary information so that we can communicate to passengers.

    “In terms of what we are doing from  manpower perspective, we are  training and re-training,” she said.

    The representative of the Nigerian Meteirological Agency,  Mr Adedeji Sanwo-Olu, urged airlines to collaborate with the agency for updates on weather conditions.

    The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, while thanking FAAN and NCAA for efforts, expressed displeasure at circulation of Artificial Intelligence-generated videos that could mislead the travelling public.

  • Nigerian airlines, others face sanctions for violating regulations

    Nigerian airlines, others face sanctions for violating regulations

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has initiated enforcement actions against three Nigerian and two international airline operators for violating various consumer protection regulations.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA made this known on Tuesday.

    Mr Achimugu, who made this known when he addressed newsmen in Abuja, stressed the NCAA has commenced enforcement action against the five airlines for various violations.

    According to him, two international and three domestic operators, which he did not name, were involved in various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations.

    The violations include nonpayment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delays and canceled flights.

    “Although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions they must take when these occur. Failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions.

    “The authority recently warned that it would initiate sanctions if airlines failed to pay refunds within the stipulated time frame of fourteen days for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets purchased by cash,” he said.

    He, however, said that incessant disruptions during Yuletide had caused a surge in passengers’ complaints about delays and cancellations.

    “We all know that this is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get cancelled. This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances.

    “The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” the director explained.

    He assured that NCAA would be summoning the Chief Executives Officers of all airlines soon to a meeting over flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.

    “Earlier today, I notified five airlines that the NCAA has initiated enforcement actions against the operators for violation of various consumer protection regulations (Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023).

    “The violations include, but not limited to, short-landed baggage, delayed refunds, flight delays and cancellations, non-responsiveness to official communication from the Authority, manhandled baggage, etc.

    “I have now escalated our enforcement actions to the NCAA Legal Department for further action.

    “While insisting that not nearly all disruptions are the faults of airlines, the regulations are very clear about compliance issues.

    “The NCAA will continue to support airlines while protecting the rights and responsibilities of air travellers.

    “Recall that about a week ago, I announced that sanctions will be enforced for delayed refunds. I must commend the majority of Nigerian airlines for complying with the regulations since then.

    “These enforcement actions exist to improve service in the industry, and the NCAA remains committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders, including the airlines,” Achimugu stated.

  • Air Peace faces sanction over cancelled flight

    Air Peace faces sanction over cancelled flight

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction Air Peace for failing to refund a passenger after a cancelled flight in line with Part 19 of the NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA made this known on Monday while stressing that going forward, airlines that fail to pay refunds within the timeframe stipulated by the NCAA regulations will be sanctioned.

    A passenger, identified as Falayi Temitope, had lodged a complaint with the airline for a refund after his October 16th flight that was cancelled.

    Achimugu said that Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations are very clear with regards to timeframes for ticket refunds and that the NCAA expects Air Peace to make an immediate refund to the passenger as 14 days have long elapsed.

    “I have followed this case over the last few days and waited to see what action the airline would take. Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations are very clear with regards to timeframes for ticket refunds:

    “Cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Tickets purchased by electronic transfer, mobile apps, internet banking, etc must be refunded within 14 days. Air Peace, the NCAA expects an immediate refund to this pax as 14 days have long elapsed,” he stated.

    The NCAA Director, nevertheless noted that the challenges faced by airlines are manifold and that not nearly all delays and cancellations are their fault, but that they have to shoulder the blame.

    He went further to say, however, that there are areas where airlines ought to do much better, and that paying refunds within the stipulated timeframe is one of the low hanging fruits.

    “I have spent an entire year engaging airlines, listening to their challenges, and partnering with them to give passengers a better travel experience. Most airlines have been responsive. The relationship between operators and regulator has worked better than in the past and this is good for passengers.

    “Going forward, airlines that fail to pay refunds within the timeframe stipulated by the ncaa regulations 2023 will be sanctioned.

    “This is not hot air. The Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA has done a lot to sensitise passengers and protect the business of operators. The time has come for airlines to repay the good faith and support they have gotten from the regulator.

    “Our CPOs have received instructions not to chase down airlines to comply with the regulations. Every case of non-compliance will be met with adequate sanctions.

    “Not a single airline will say that they have not been given a listening ear. The Authority has been balanced.

    “Apologies to passengers whose refunds have taken longer than necessary. It is not ideal. Personally, I am pursuing a review of the regulations to cut the timeframe to 7 days. It is doable. Nigerian passengers deserve world-class service.

    “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, @fkeyamo and the Ag. DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo have been very supportive of operators, especially domestic airlines.

    “This is well-captured in the Minister’s 5-point agenda and Capt. Najomo’s 2024 Action Plan (ease of doing business).

    “This fact was affirmed by the leadership of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, in their recent calls for the confirmation of Capt. Najomo as DGCA.

    “It is imperative therefore, that airlines do right, if not by these two incredible public servants, then by the passengers who patronize their businesses.

    “The challenges faced by airlines are manifold. Not nearly all delays and cancellations are their fault, but they have shouldered the blame.

    “I have spoken in support of operators because, given the peculiar environment, they are doing a lot and must be supported.

    “My department’s intervention has seen airlines pay full refunds, 25% rebates, and even 50% rebates.

    “But there are areas where they ought to do much better, and paying refunds within the stipulated tineframe is one of the low hanging fruits.

    “Passengers may not always understand the back-end of things, but where it is determined that they are due a refund, it should be done seamlessly. Failure to comply with Part 19 will, henceforth, attract immediate sanctions,” Achimugu stated.

  • First in history: Nigeria to start ARFF training domestically

    First in history: Nigeria to start ARFF training domestically

    For the first time, Nigeria is poised to start conducting Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training domestically, after the certification of the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria was on October 29, 2024 granted the certification to provide ARFF training in the country.

    The ARFF training will equip aviation officers with essential skills in emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue operations for passengers and crew involved in aviation incidents and accidents.

    According to a statement by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Monday, the accreditation is in line with the vision and mantra of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on the ease of doing business in the sector.

    The statement reads: “In a significant  move to enhance Nigeria’s aviation standards, the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, continues to drive  his  five-point agenda focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation in the sector.

    “During his visit to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria,  on June 19, 2024, the Honourable Minister, in reinforcing the Federal government’s commitment towards advancing aviation education and infrastructure, emphasized the vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa, aligning with national objectives for growth and development in the sector.

    “In line with this vision, and his mantra on ease of doing business, the Acting Director-General Civil Aviation Authority (Ag.DGCA)  Capt.Chris Najomo on October 29, 2024 granted certification to the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria to provide Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training in Nigeria.

    “As the regulator of Nigerian airspace, the NCAA ensures strict compliance with safety standards, overall enhancement of Nigeria airspace safety, standardization of rescue and firefighting protocols across airports. Hence, for the first time, Nigeria will conduct ARFF training domestically, equipping aviation officers with essential skills in emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue operations for passengers and crew involved in aviation incidents and accidents.

    “This accreditation will further position Nigeria as a key player in international aviation safety, fostering positive foreign exchange inflows through  increase enrollment in ARFF training programs and elevating Nigeria’s recognition among domestic and international aviation stakeholders.

    “Credit must be given to the Flight Standards Group (FSG) at the NCAA, led by their Chairman, Engr. Godwin Balang for driving the DGCA’s mantra”.

  • NCAA lists compensations for flight delay, cancellation, others

    NCAA lists compensations for flight delay, cancellation, others

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has affirmed that passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delay, cancellation, luggage delay, missing or loss by airlines.

    Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to him, a passenger is entitled to first needs payment of N10,000 on domestic flights when the passenger’s luggage is missing and 170 US Dollar on international flights while the luggggage is being searched for.

    “For domestic flight, the airline has one day to seven days to search for the missing luggage while on international flights, the airline has one day to 21 days to search for the luggage.

    “A luggage is said to be lost if not found after seven days search on domestic flights and 21 days search on international flights.

    “The process for compensation for missing luggage commences after the said luggage is declared missing. Any fees paid for that luggage must also be refunded,” he said.

    The director said the refunds for tickets on cancelled or delayed flights should be paid  immediately, if payment was made in cash or within 14 days if it was paid by bank transfer or any means other electronic methods.

    Contributing, the NCAA Director of Special Duties, Mr Horatius Egua, urged passengers to know their rights regarding the aviation sector.

    He stated that challenges the authority encountered included, lack of awareness among passengers, limited enforcement of consumer rights, inadequate infrastructure and corruption.

    “NCAA has emphasised increased passenger education and awareness, strengthening of regulatory agencies, improved airline customer service and enhanced infrastructure development

    “By knowing your rights as consumer, you can advocate for better treatment and services,” he said.

    On her part, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, the Senior Special Adviser to the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the airline ought to provide clear terms and conditions and also ensure timely departure and arrival.

    According to her, Airline obligations are to provide adequate baggage handling, offer compensation for delays, cancellations, or overbooking and maintain safe and secured aircraft.

    “Passenger have rights to know flight schedule, fare, and baggage allowance; right to compensation for flight delays; right to refund for unused tickets (within 7 days) and right to baggage protection.

    “Common Issues from the passengers include, flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss, damage, or delay, overbooking and denied boarding, refund and compensation disputes, “ she said.

  • NCAA pledges support for new airport in Lagos

    NCAA pledges support for new airport in Lagos

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Saturday affirmed its support for the Lagos State Government in the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.

    The regulatory body gave this affirmation during a joint meeting to discuss the overview and highlights of the project in Lagos.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in his address, said that the meeting was to engage with the regulatory authorities and seek clarification regarding the vision of the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki.

    According to him, the Lagos State’s Master Plan of 2007 included the redesign of the eastern region of the state (Epe), and the concept of an airport emerged as a solution to the challenge of having only one serving Lagos.

    The governor noted that a feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable, but unforeseen challenges led to delays in its implementation.

    Reflecting on his five years in office, Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, while adding that several industries had been established.

    “This growth renewed the state government’s determination to revisit the airport project,” he added.

    Sanwo-Olu mentioned that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.

    He affirmed that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative.

    He, however, stressed the importance of seeking regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges.

    According to him, the proposed airport is a crucial component of the state’s broader transport master plan.

    The governor announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.

    The NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, speaking from the NCAA’s perspective, confirmed that the authority had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    He hinted that the state government had not yet submitted an official declaration of intent to the NCAA, which is required for the authority to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight.

    He said that in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), the Lagos State Government must submit this declaration at least 180 days prior to the commencement of construction.

    Najomo assured the governor of  NCAA’s commitment to supporting the project, in line with Nigeria’s ease of doing business policy.

    He urged the Lagos State Government to submit the necessary documents to enable the authority to guide them through the requirements for obtaining the approval for the airport’s construction.

    The meeting had in attendance, Najomo, NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Mr Godwin Balang; General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Mr Bayode Boluwaji Sunday and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr Uyiekpen Asuen.

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, was also present at the meeting.

  • Why Nigerian airlines can’t fly into U.S. for now – NCAA

    Why Nigerian airlines can’t fly into U.S. for now – NCAA

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why Nigeria lost its Category 1 Status that disqualified Nigerian airlines to fly into U.S. as required.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, Nigeria like most countries must satisfactorily pass the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Programme and attain Category 1 status in order to operate into the U.S.

    “The attention of the NCAA has again been drawn to a publication about the purported ban on Nigerian airlines by the United States.

    “Due to the wrong impression such news could create, it has become expedient that we put this report in its proper perspective.

    “Upon attaining Category 1, Nigerian airlines would be permitted to operate Nigerian registered aircraft and dry-leased foreign registered aircraft into the United States, in line with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA),” he said.

    Najomo recalled that the first time Nigeria attained Category 1 was in August 2010, while the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted another safety assessment on Nigeria in 2014.

    He said a further safety assessment was conducted on Nigeria in 2017, after which Nigeria retained her Category 1 status.

    The NCAA boss said that with effect from Sept. 2022, the U.S. FAA de-listed Category 1 countries who, after a 2-year period, had no indigenous operator to provide service to the U.S. or carrying airline code of a U.S. operator.

    “Also removed from the Category 1 list were countries, who the FAA was not providing technical assistance to, based on identified areas of non-compliance to international standards for safety oversight.

    “No Nigerian operator has provided service into the United States using a Nigerian registered aircraft within the 2-year period preceding September, 2022.

    “So, it was expected that Nigeria would be de-listed as were other countries who fell within this category. Nigeria was, therefore, de-listed since 2022 and was duly informed of this action in 2022,” he said.

    According to him, the de-listing of Nigeria has absolutely nothing to do with any safety or security deficiency in the nation’s oversight system.

    Ojomo said Nigeria had undergone comprehensive International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety and Security Audits and recorded no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC) respectively.

    “It is furthermore necessary to add that a Nigerian operator can still operate into the U.S. using an aircraft wet-leased from a country who has a current Category 1 status.

    “The NCAA continues to adhere strictly to international safety and security standards and respects the sovereignty of states, including the United States of America, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

    “This provision gives states complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territories,” he added.

    NCAA boss said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had embarked on an aggressive international campaign to empower local operators to access the dry-lease market around the world.

    “Which culminated in the visit to AIRBUS in France earlier this year and the MOU signed with BOEING in Seattle, Washington just last week.

    “The Honourable Minister has also done a lot of work to make Nigeria comply fully with the Cape Town Convention, which will bring back the confidence of international lessors in the Nigerian aviation market.

    “We are confident that with these steps of the Honourable Minister, it is only a matter of time that Nigeria, not only regains, but can sustain its U.S. Category 1 status,” Ojomo said.