February 21, (THEWILL) – The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo has been conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE) in recognition of his contributions to aviation safety.
The prestigious fellowship is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety in their careers. Capt. Najomo, with over 44 years in aviation, was honoured for his impeccable safety record.
Alongside Capt. Najomo, two senior officials of the NCAA were also conferred with Fellowships of the Institution. They are; Engr. Ini Udofia, Technical Assistant and Engr. Dr. Iteke C. Ifeanyi, General Manager, Air Operator Certification and Surveillance
The conferment ceremony was held on Wednesday at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, with the National Chairman of NISafetyE, Engr. Oluseun Faluyi, presiding over the event.
Speaking before the conferment, Engr. Faluyi highlighted the importance of regulatory agencies like the NCAA in ensuring public safety, adding that the recognition aims to foster greater collaboration.
“We see an opportunity for stronger collaboration between NCAA and NISafetyE, where knowledge-sharing and technical expertise will drive continuous improvements in safety standards,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Najomo emphasised that safety remains the foundation of the aviation industry, acknowledging the critical roles played by safety engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers, and other professionals.
“Safety engineering is the backbone of aviation safety. Through strategic collaboration, innovation, and commitment to high standards, we can achieve safer skies for all,” he noted.
The NCAA boss also underscored the need for synergy between the aviation regulator and the Institution of Safety Engineers, stressing that shared expertise would enhance safety frameworks, best practices, and capacity-building initiatives.
“By fostering strong partnerships in research and development, we can tackle emerging safety challenges and ensure Nigeria continues to meet and exceed global aviation safety standards,” he affirmed.
Najomo attributed the NCAA’s achievements to teamwork, commending the agency’s management and staff for their collective efforts.
“Our accomplishments are a result of the dedication of the NCAA team, backed by the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,” he stated.
Dedicating the honour to all NCAA safety professionals, Capt. Najomo reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
