Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Alumni Association to advance workforce development and reforms in the aviation sector.
The engagement took place at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, where the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo received a delegation led by the association’s President, Ali M. Magashi.
Najomo described the visit as timely, noting that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) remains a critical source of skilled manpower for the country’s aviation industry.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to global standards, citing Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation score in the audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the highest ever recorded by the country.
The NCAA boss highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen manpower development, including plans to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities to provide hands-on training and reduce reliance on foreign services.
He also addressed concerns over the exploitation of young aviation professionals, assuring that reported cases are under investigation while pledging to sustain and enhance NCAA’s operational presence in Zaria.
In his remarks, Magashi said the visit was aimed at deepening strategic engagement with the regulator and commended the NCAA for its achievements in aviation oversight.
He called for improved training pathways, structured internship programmes, and policy support to address rising operational costs in the sector.
The alumni body also raised concerns over limited access to training facilities, infrastructure gaps, and broader sustainability challenges within the industry, while pledging to support the Authority with policy advisory, capacity building, and professional feedback.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration to improve safety standards, human capital development, and overall performance of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The meeting was attended by NCAA directors and general managers, alongside members of the NCAT Alumni Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.
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