Are airlines regulating the regulators?, By Femi Johnson

…this second presents a possibility to rework Nigeria’s aviation sector beneath the management of President Tinubu. Change throughout the NCAA is critical to deal with present challenges and align the business with world greatest practices. The period of business-as-usual should finish, and the outdated methods of governance and regulatory oversight should give option to a renewed give attention to security, accountability, and effectivity.

The aviation business is a vital sector that requires a strong framework of checks and balances to make sure security and operational effectivity. Globally, regulators and airline operators have interaction in rigorous mutual oversight to safeguard passengers, defend airline investments, and keep public confidence.

Nevertheless, latest developments inside Nigeria’s aviation sector have raised important considerations amongst business consultants. Particularly, a communication from sure airline operators advocating for the affirmation and retainership of the Director Normal of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Chris Najomo, has elicited apprehension. Such advocacy, whereas uncommon, seems to undermine the prerogative of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who alone is constitutionally empowered to nominate, verify, or relieve authorities officers.

The motives behind this name stay unclear. Nevertheless, it has provoked vital security and governance considerations. As an aviator residing in Canada and a possible person of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, I’m deeply troubled by the implications of airways campaigning for the appointment of their regulator. Notable business gamers, comparable to Mr Allen Onyema of Air Peace and Mr Obiora Okonkwo of United Nigeria Airways, have overtly supported Mr Najomo. Their actions increase questions of partisanship and battle of curiosity at a time when aviation security in Nigeria faces unprecedented challenges.

This case is analogous to business banks lobbying for the appointment of a Central Financial institution Governor — a state of affairs that will compromise regulatory independence and efficacy. If airways, that are topic to regulation, start influencing the tenure of the NCAA’s management, it raises considerations about collusion and the erosion of regulatory oversight. May the probably clarify the frequency of security incidents, together with crash-landings, runway mishaps, tire failures, and different operational irregularities within the sector?

The Nigerian aviation business stands at a vital juncture. It requires competent management and professional administration to stop a slide again to the period of frequent accidents and systemic failures. The advocacy by airline operators in help of a sitting administrator casts doubt on the broader security and operational integrity of the sector. Their actions recommend consolation with a regulatory surroundings tailor-made to their pursuits, somewhat than one prioritising security and compliance.

President Bola Tinubu, a pacesetter identified for excellence and inserting the precise people in positions of authority, should take decisive motion to safeguard the aviation business. It’s crucial to guage the management of the NCAA critically and objectively, free from undue affect by events. That is the one option to restore confidence within the sector and guarantee its continued viability as a gateway to Nigeria’s worldwide engagements.

The actions of operators who’ve been issuing press statements in help of the NCAA DG, not solely represent an affront to President Tinubu’s authority but in addition to the nation. As a substitute of influencing selections reserved for the presidency, these airline operators ought to give attention to addressing vital points inside their area, comparable to lowering the prohibitive price of air journey. Nigerians are at the moment grappling with excessive ticket costs, a state of affairs more likely to worsen because the Yuletide season approaches.

In conclusion, this second presents a possibility to rework Nigeria’s aviation sector beneath the management of President Tinubu. Change throughout the NCAA is critical to deal with present challenges and align the business with world greatest practices. The period of business-as-usual should finish, and the outdated methods of governance and regulatory oversight should give option to a renewed give attention to security, accountability, and effectivity.

Femi Johnson writes from Canada.