By Adeyemi David
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised concerns over what it described as persistent regulatory compliance challenges within Nigeria’s aviation industry, warning that no operator is above the law.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said some industry stakeholders have grown accustomed to “anyhowness” and now perceive enforcement actions as overbearing or performative.
According to him, certain operators prefer to evade scrutiny rather than provide the reports and accountability required by regulators, sometimes deploying tactics aimed at undermining enforcement efforts.
“Rather than submit the reports and accountability demanded of them, they would rather play victim and evade accountability at all cost,” Achimugu stated, adding that regulations are binding on all operators regardless of experience in the sector.
He disclosed that upon his appointment, the Minister of Aviation urged him to fully understand the industry and remain steadfast despite potential resistance, a charge he said continues to guide his approach to oversight.
Achimugu emphasised that the current leadership in the aviation sector is committed to strengthening compliance in line with ongoing reforms championed by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
“As far as this leadership is concerned, no entity is above the law. If you are asked to submit documents or be accountable for a situation, you will comply,” he said, stressing that the era of disregarding regulatory authority is over.
The NCAA spokesman noted that recent efforts by the aviation ministry and the regulator have “positively disrupted” the industry, aligning it with global standards while prioritising safety for passengers and operators alike.
“We are protecting not just the passengers, but the airlines as well. We are strict, but we are just doing our jobs,” he added.
Achimugu called on all stakeholders to support reforms and comply with regulatory directives, stressing that adherence to established rules is essential for the growth and international competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
