NCAA, NCAT Alumni Strengthen Partnership on Aviation Capacity and Industry Reforms
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has renewed its commitment to closer collaboration with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Alumni Association, as both bodies seek to drive workforce development and reforms across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The renewed partnership was highlighted during a strategic meeting at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, where the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, hosted a delegation led by the alumni association’s President, Ali M. Magashi.
Najomo described the engagement as a critical step toward strengthening industry capacity, stressing that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) continues to play a central role in producing skilled aviation professionals in the country.
Reaffirming NCAA’s alignment with global best practices, he pointed to Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a milestone achievement in regulatory oversight.
The NCAA boss also outlined ongoing initiatives to enhance manpower development, including plans to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities aimed at boosting local technical capacity and reducing dependence on foreign services.
Addressing concerns about the welfare of emerging aviation professionals, Najomo assured that allegations of exploitation are being investigated, while reiterating the Authority’s resolve to maintain and strengthen its operational footprint in Zaria.
In his remarks, Magashi commended the NCAA for its regulatory strides and said the alumni body is keen to build a more structured relationship with the Authority. He advocated for expanded training opportunities, well-defined internship programmes, and policy measures to cushion rising operational costs in the aviation industry.
He also drew attention to challenges such as limited access to training infrastructure and broader sustainability concerns, noting that the alumni association stands ready to support the NCAA through policy input, capacity development, and professional expertise.
Both organisations pledged to sustain their collaboration in advancing safety standards, strengthening human capital, and improving overall performance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
