The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has shed light on the federal government’s decision to reject the proposal to merge the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Speaking at the NCAA’s 25th-anniversary gala night, Keyamo explained that the merger was part of the recommendations in the Oronsaye report, which had been under consideration since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The report aimed to streamline government agencies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Keyamo revealed that when the current administration revisited the report, it initially suggested the dissolution of the NCAA. However, he strongly opposed this recommendation when it was presented before President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
“That report was passed on from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government and then to the present administration. The Oronsaye report was ready since Jonathan’s time, if I remember correctly. So, throughout the tenure of Buhari’s government, we couldn’t consider that report,” he stated.
Keyamo noted that reviewing the report was one of the first matters discussed when Tinubu took office. According to him, the President carefully examined each recommendation and listened to various ministers as they presented arguments for or against proposed mergers.
“When it got to aviation, and the President said, ‘Merge NCAA and NAMA as one body,’ I raised my hand and spoke for five minutes,” he recounted.
Keyamo said that after he presented his argument, the President decided to remove the proposed merger from consideration, allowing both NCAA and NAMA to remain as separate entities.
“Because we have a wonderful President who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, ‘Item dropped. NCAA and NAMA will not merge,’” Keyamo added.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, also spoke at the event, reflecting on the agency’s journey over the past 25 years. He described NCAA’s growth as a result of dedication, resilience, and a strong focus on safety and innovation in the aviation sector.
“In peace, with humility, a warm sense of accompaniment, and immense gratitude, I welcome you all to this gala and award night,” Najomo said.
He acknowledged the contributions of past director-generals, aviation industry stakeholders, and the NCAA workforce, crediting them for the agency’s success and international recognition.
“Our progress has been made possible by the tireless dedication of past director-generals, management teams, aviation unions, and the entire NCAA staff. Your collective contributions have elevated NCAA to its current status as a leader in global aviation safety and oversight,” he said.
Najomo further noted that NCAA’s growth aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the development of the aviation sector as a key factor in national progress.
