In an effort to bolster the nation’s aviation industry, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed a strong emphasis on the importance of corporate governance to enhance regulatory oversight and operational efficiency. Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA’s Director General, stressed the critical role of the Board of Directors during the recent seminar on Corporate Governance and Board Management. He emphasized the significance of strategic direction, oversight of management, and essential decision-making within the regulatory framework established by the Civil Aviation Act.
At this seminar, organized by NCAA’s Directorate of Legal Services in Lagos, Captain Najomo addressed representatives from various facets of the aviation industry, including senior officials, consultants, and stakeholders. He highlighted that transparent corporate governance is paramount for the NCAA to properly function and meet stringent statutory regulations. The emphasis was placed on maintaining an ethical environment where self-auditing serves as a vital tool to ensure adherence to established rules and protocols. As the sector grapples with challenges, proactive governance frameworks are essential to drive regulatory oversight and tangible improvements within the Nigerian civil aviation landscape.
The Role of the NCAA’s Board of Directors
The composition of the NCAA Board, as mandated by the Civil Aviation Act 2022, plays a pivotal role in the governance and oversight of the aviation sector. The Act stipulates that the Board must include four statutory members: the Chairman, representatives from the Ministries of Aviation and Defense, and the Director-General of the NCAA. This configuration ensures a robust and multi-faceted perspective on governance, aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) State Safety Oversight requirements. Other members serve in an ex-officio capacity, contributing to a dynamic governance structure.
Captain Najomo underscored the critical need for these Board members to closely examine the provisions within the Act to foster collaboration and reduce potential conflicts between the Board and NCAA Management. The Directorate of Legal Services is tasked with creating an effective corporate governance framework that enables board members to perform their duties with utmost efficiency. By clearly delineating roles and responsibilities, the NCAA aims to cultivate an environment where best practices in governance are consistently upheld, thereby ensuring the regulatory body operates optimally and transparently.
Expectations and Challenges Ahead
As the NCAA recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, this milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set the stage for future advancements. The seminar underscored the importance of preparing upcoming Board members for the high expectations they will face from both the aviation industry and the society they serve. Mary Tufano-Eche, NCAA’s Director of Legal and Company Secretary, articulated the changing trends in corporate governance and the necessity for these individuals to be well-versed in enforcing regulations comprehensively.
The role of the Directorate of Legal Services in reevaluating and updating governance procedures cannot be understated. Regulatory bodies must be equipped to diligently enforce laws, procedures, and policies to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance. Strengthening these frameworks is critical for building confidence in the aviation sector and ensuring compliance with international standards. As such, continual education and seminars like this one are crucial in keeping board members informed and prepared to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
Moving Forward with Proactive Governance
In a bid to boost Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has underscored the significance of corporate governance to enhance regulatory oversight and operational efficiency. Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA’s Director General, highlighted the critical role of the Board of Directors at a recent seminar on Corporate Governance and Board Management. He noted the importance of strategic direction, management oversight, and essential decision-making within the Civil Aviation Act’s regulatory framework.
During this seminar, organized by NCAA’s Directorate of Legal Services in Lagos, Captain Najomo addressed senior officials, consultants, and industry stakeholders. He stressed that transparent corporate governance is crucial for NCAA to function effectively and comply with strict statutory regulations. Maintaining an ethical environment, where self-auditing plays a key role, is vital for adherence to established rules and protocols. As the aviation sector faces challenges, proactive governance frameworks are essential for driving regulatory oversight and ensuring tangible improvements in Nigeria’s civil aviation landscape.
