The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has empowered youths from two communities around Lagos airport to again aviation knowledge with the aim of tackling talent shortages, regional disparities among others.

The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo made the disclosure at the closing of the Aviation Up-Skilling Development Programme (AUDP) on Friday in Lagos.

Najomo was represented by the Director of Human Resources and Administration, NCAA, Dr Anastasia Gbem.

He said that this was part of the National Youth Development Directive, in February 2025, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a national structure for youth empowerment across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in line with this directive, has requested that all agencies under its purview align their youth-related efforts with this national framework.

The youth have been grouped into three categories: Graduates of Tertiary Institutions; Post-secondary, but non-tertiary educated youth and Dropouts, Out-of-school youth and youth at risk.

Speaking on the aim of the programme, Najomo said: “The AUDP is not an overnight solution but a growing initiative to help young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into aviation.

“On your part, What Can You Do? – Practical Next Steps

“You may be asking, What can I do now to get ready or get in? Let me offer a few suggestions: Know the Sector; pick a skill area, develop digital competence, network and stay informed.”

He added that NCAA remained committed to listening to the voices of young people, providing clear, useful information and guidance, connecting youth with knowledge that can lead to opportunity.

He also added that engaging partners to support skill-building initiatives.

“We will not over-promise. But we will do our part —step by step—to open the space and carry young Nigerians forward into the aviation future.”

According to Najomo, the initiative will provide high quality training, practical skills and career quidance, aligning with global standards and best practices.

He said that the initiative was a crucial step towards addressing challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector such as gender imbalances, talent shortages and regional disparities.

“I am confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry, creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and enhancing our standing in the international aviation community.

“To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it.

“Let the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme be a conversation starter. Let it be a bridge between where you are and where you want to go. We look forward to walking that bridge with you.”

According to Najomo, the AUDP kicked off in Port Harcourt earlier this week and would replicated in some zones across the country.

According to him, the communities from where the young Nigerians were selected in Lagos State were; Mafoluku Community, Oshodi Isolo Local Government and Ejigbo Community, Oshodi Isolo Local Government.

He added that other regions where the AUDP would be conducted are; Kano Regional Office; Kaduna Regional Office and Abuja Regional Office.

The NCAA boss told participants to start small, by studying the structure and language of aviation and acquainting themselves with the roles of regulatory bodies like NCAA, Nigerian Aairspace Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria among others.

He recommended leveraging free resources available on NCAA websites as well as global platforms like ICAO and IATA.

The Regional Manager, South West, NCAA, Mrs Olubukola Teriba said that the initiative was to align with the NCAA’s broader vision to build a suitable and globally competitive aviation sector.

Teriba said that the initiative was coming at a crucial time for the industry to tackle unemployment and address the shortage of skilled professionals in the growing aviation sector.

“As the regulator, NCAA is not only a custodian of safety, security and economic oversight, but duty bound to ensure inclusivity, access to opportunities and a sustainable future workforce for our industry.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the challenges faced by Nigeria on how to create jobs for youths, skilled workers in the Aviation Sector.

“So, this initiative will fill in the gap to prepare young Nigerians by equipping them with technical knowledge which will prepare them to take up jobs available in the aviation industry,” she said.

Teriba said: ” I am confident that the AUDP will foster understanding and attraction among the Nigerian youths, the unemployed, underrepresented groups and profession.

“This is a national directive, the first of its kind and I thank President Bola Tinubu, The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, the Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo and Royal Fathers of the communities represented.

A Royal Father, Chief Samson Fatuyi, Asiwaju-Onikotun, Chief Bada of Emu Kingdom told the participants that this was a pathway to success and should be taken seriously.

He commended the Federal Government and NCAA for the empowerment.

Recall that under the AUDP, 100 young Nigerians would be empowered.