Najomo, Achimugu Blaze the Trail at NIGAV Award Night
The 15th edition of the Nigeria Aviation, otherwise known as the NIGAV Awards held in Lagos on Friday night turned into a defining moment for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, as its leadership and institutional strides took centre stage in a night that celebrated excellence across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
At the heart of the evening’s spotlight was the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Ona Najomo, whose remarkable stewardship earned him two of the most prestigious honours of the night — the Aviation Agency Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Speakers at the elaborate awards ceremony affirmed that the recognition were not merely ceremonial; but that they underscored a career defined by an unwavering commitment to aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and the steady advancement of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

DGCA Captain Chris Ona Najomo delivering his address at the NIGAV Awards Night
Since his assumption of office, Captain Chris Najomo’s leadership has increasingly been associated with institutional strengthening and a renewed focus on global best practices.
Under his watch, the NCAA has consolidated its role as a proactive regulator, aligning safety protocols and economic oversight with international standards while also deepening stakeholder confidence in the system.
Equally prominent in the honours roll was the man associated with protection of rights stakeholders, be they passengers, airlines, etc, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, who clinched the Aviation Agency Director Award.
Organisers also avowed that Achimugu’s recognition reflects a growing emphasis on passenger rights, transparency, and effective communication within the aviation space.
His efforts have significantly elevated consumer protection frameworks and fostered stronger engagement between the regulator and the flying public, especially looking at the fact his directorate also clinched the awards for customer service excellence, consumer protection, passengers front desk services among others.

Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Mr. Micheal Achimugu receive his award from the former Director General Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Engineer Akin Olateru
Also celebrated was the agency’s amiable Dr. (Mrs.) Anastasia Aver Gbem, the Director of Human Resources and Administration (DHR&A) at NCAA.
The accomplished technocrat and legal professional is responsible for staff welfare, training, and administration. Her close working with the Director-General has seen morale boost for staff and increase in their productivity.
Dr Anastasia Gbem’s contributions to administrative leadership and human capital development no doubt earned her the special recognition award, further highlighting the depth of talent driving the Authority’s transformation.
Beyond individual accolades, the NCAA emerged as one of the biggest institutional winners of the night as it secured multiple awards spanning digital innovation, customer service excellence, and ease of doing business.
Also of particular note was the recognition of its SMS Pro platform, a technological initiative that has enhanced safety reporting and operational efficiency within the sector.
Others are additional honours for consumer protection, passenger front desk services, and service delivery reaffirmed the NCAA’s growing reputation as a forward-looking regulator.
An elated Captain Najomo attributed the authority’s achievements to collective dedication and strategic leadership, and acknowledged the critical role played by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

He noted that ongoing reforms and policy direction from the ministry have created an enabling environment for growth and innovation across the industry.
Whilst the NCAA DG extended appreciation to the organisers, FCI International Limited, he also emphasised that the recognition serves as a motivation for the NCAA to further strengthen its commitment to safety, security, economic sustainability, and consumer-centric regulation.
In retrospect, the NIGAV Award Night, therefore, was more than a celebration — it was a reflection of a sector in transition, with figures like NCAA DG Captain Chris Najomo and his Director Achimugu blazing the trail, the Nigerian aviation industry appears poised for a future defined by innovation, accountability, and global competitiveness.
