NCAA DG cautions against compliance shortfalls in Nigerian ATOs
Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has said that the Nigerian Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) are under increasing pressure to uphold stringent compliance standards amid rapid technological advancements, evolving regulations, and operational complexities.
Najomo disclosed this at a stakeholders’ workshop in Lagos on Monday titled, ‘Managing Approved Organisations’ Compliance With the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs)’ which assembled industry experts to deliberate on the gaps and proffer solutions.
Najomo said in his keynote address which was delivered on his behalf by Mr. Hyelni Bassi, NCAA’s General Manager of Licensing that “The industry, aviation professionals, and the traveling public depend on the rigorous training and compliance measures that we establish together. These organisations are the foundation upon which we build well-trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of our aviation operations.”
Najomo highlighted the critical challenges facing ATOs, including the need to adapt to new technologies and align with evolving regulatory demands.
DG NCAA, therefore urged stakeholders to leverage the workshop as a platform to “share insights, discuss best practices, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability” in training programs.
Adoyi Sunnie, Head of the ATO Inspectorate at the NCAA, provided an assessment of current compliance shortfalls, adding that “most applications received for approvals do not meet regulatory requirements.”
Sunnie cited the non-negotiable benchmarks for ATOs, including adequate facilities, qualified personnel, comprehensive manuals, and functional quality and safety management systems.
According to him, “Applicants must comply with regulations. They must have conducive environments, appropriate training devices, and competent personnel to plan, supervise, and deliver courses.”
He acknowledged that there are delays in approval processes but assured stakeholders that the NCAA is “leveraging technology to expedite procedures without compromising standards.”
Participants at the workshop explored strategies to streamline compliance management, while the NCAA harped on the need for ATOs to proactively align with Nig. CARs, particularly as Nigeria’s aviation sector expands.
Najomo at the close of the workshop called for collective vigilance and encouraged the stakeholders to “ensure ATOs not only meet but exceed regulatory expectations.”
