LAGOS – The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has ascribed accountability, transparency and efficiency in procurement processes as pivotal in achieving optimal performance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Capt. Najomo said this at a symposium on Proper Understanding of Procurement Process for Optimum Performance: Emphasis on Bureau for Public Procurement Due Process and World Best Practices held in Lagos.

Najomo, who was represented by Mr Godwin Balang, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at NCAA, said that the symposium served as a platform to align the authority’s procurement strategies with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines, international best practices and national vision.

“At the heart of this vision is President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria for economic prosperity, infrastructure development and good governance.

“The aviation sector plays a pivotal role in achieving these national objectives, and our procurement processes must be efficient, transparent and revenue-driven to support this vision.

“In line with this, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo’s, Five-Point Agenda provides a clear roadmap for the sector’s transformation, with optimising revenue generation for the Federal Government as a major priority,” he said.

According to Najomo, to realise the goal, procurement practices must eliminate waste, curb corruption and ensure value, ultimately leading to increased government revenue and improved service delivery.

Najomo said that public procurement was at the core of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

“In the aviation sector, procurement decisions affect airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and operational efficiency.

“If done right, procurement has the power to attract investment, enhance aviation service delivery and maximise revenue for the nation,” Najomo said.

According to him, to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Five-Point Agenda, the procurement system must reduce financial leakages by enforcing strict compliance with due process.

“We must encourage competition and fair bidding to attract credible investors, ensure cost-effective contracts that maximise public funds for aviation development.”

Najomo also urged strengthening of public/private partnerships to drive efficiency and boost revenue generation.

“As a regulatory agency, the NCAA fully aligns with these principles to promote efficiency, prevent financial mismanagement and ensure compliance with national policies,” Najomo added.

The Director of Corporate Services at NCAA, Mrs Rebecca Achadinazu, said that the symposium aimed at tackling specific structural and capacity challenges with regard to procurement.

According to her, it is necessary to educate and sensitise Directorates/Departments and Units at the NCAA, of their roles in the procurement circle.