The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called an emergency meeting on aviation secThe Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called an emergency Security Committee meeting to address growing safety concerns in the aviation sector.
Opening the session in Abuja, NCAA Director General and Chairman of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), Capt. Chris Najomo, said the engagement would be far-reaching.
“We are covering the entire ecosystem — regulation, airline and airport security, airspace management, and the role of the travelling public,” he stated.
Najomo added that passengers also bear responsibilities, not only rights, when they use air services.
A Sector Under Pressure
Nigeria’s aviation industry has come under scrutiny following recent reports of security gaps and unruly passenger behaviour at airports. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), disruptive incidents on flights have been rising globally, with African carriers not exempt.
At the meeting, goodwill messages came from the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, alongside the Nigerian Air Force. The committees urged discipline among passengers and airline staff to maintain order.
Lawmakers warned about the sensitivity of the industry. “The aviation sector is like a landmine. It must be carefully regulated to prevent disaster,” a joint statement read.
Issues on the table
Presentations dwelt on unruly passenger behaviour, gaps in airport surveillance, and the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders. Speakers also reflected on how passengers view compliance with aviation rules, notin
g that awareness campaigns could help reduce incidents.
The Nigerian Air Force pledged continued support for airspace protection, especially with rising concerns over smuggling and security breaches.
Industry experts note that safety oversight remains a top priority if Nigeria hopes to strengthen its aviation hub status in West Africa. In 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics recorded more than 16 million air travellers through Nigerian airports, a sharp rise compared to the pandemic years.
The Road Ahead
The NCAA said the outcomes of the meeting would guide immediate actions to improve safety measures across airports and airlines. Capt. Najomo assured stakeholders that the regulator would not hesitate to enforce discipline where necessary.
“We are determined to make our skies safe. Everyone — airlines, regulators, security agencies, and passengers — must play their part,” he said.
The agency is expected to release a communique in the coming days outlining decisions reached at the Security Committee meeting.
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